Collective Action Potential and I/World Balance: The Role of Gatekeepers and Dialogical Isles of Mediation
摘要
This chapter develops a theoretical framework centered on the concept of collective action potential, exploring how individual action potential is enriched through interaction with collectives mediating, skills, and knowledge. Drawing on a symbolic theory of action, it examines how dialogical spaces—referred to as dialogical isles of mediation—serve as venues for the exchange and expansion of personal action potentials. The work highlights the significance of gatekeepers (The gatekeeping theory goes back to Kurt Lewin. I do not use the term in a strictly Lewinian sense but nonetheless it is necessary to note the origins of the concept.) in facilitating this exchange and the role of higher-order communities in shaping individual action. By analyzing the dynamic between personal and collective potentials, the paper emphasizes the importance of cultural and collective contexts in resolving conflicts and fostering growth. This perspective is further illustrated through the analysis of a dream, where the dreamer’s evolving action potential reflects a shift from performance-driven goals to more empathic, nurturing ones. The study aims to contribute to understanding the intersection of individual and collective forces in both psychological theory and practice.