The bands are the most general classification of stages. I define four bands (lower, middle, higher and radial).

The levels (major stages) represent perhaps the most important category of stages. I define 12 levels.

The lower band comprises (in ascending order) L3, L2 and L1; the middle band comprises L0, then L0,H0 (which is thereby neutral in terms of lower and higher classifications) and H0.

The higher band has three levels which - again in ascending order - are H1, H2 and H3 and the radial band has three levels R1, R2 and R3.
 

Bridging each of the major levels is an important transition in development. Between L3-L2, L2-L1 and L1-L0 this represents a key (linear) differentiation with respect to one of the three fundamental polarities.

Between H0-H1, H1-H2 and H2-H3 it represents a key integration and finally between H3-R1, R1-R2 and R2-R3 it represents simultaneously both a key differentiation and integration with respect to these same polarities.
 

Each of the major levels in turn can be subdivided into sub-levels, which again are defined by the operation of the fundamental polarities within a given level.

Thus SL1 (sub-level 1) relates to concrete understanding (confined to horizontal polarities).

SL2 (sub-level 2) relates to formal understanding (which can combine horizontal and vertical polarities within a level)

SL3 (sub-level 3) relates to visionary (or more simply vision) understanding (which can combine horizontal, vertical and diagonal polarities within the level).
 

Each stage is associated with a corresponding mirror stage. Whereas the initial stage - in dynamic terms - is characterised by the conscious positing of phenomena, recognition of the corresponding mirror stage requires their corresponding negation. In this way each stage acquires a balance as between conscious (posited) and unconscious (negated) meaning which then enables recognition of the mirror stage.
 

Combining stages with their mirror equivalents leads on to the notion of directions.

The directions are the most fundamental in that they provide the basic master programme which determines how all other stages are configured.

However in a secondary sense they also play a role in that each of the sub-levels can be defined in terms of directions (or dimensions).

The middle level (L0, H0) has one direction (where mirror stages are not recognised).

Both L1 and H1 have two directions (in horizontal terms). This allows for bi-directional understanding with respect to horizontal polarities (in confused terms at L1 and a mature manner at H1).

Both L2 and H2 have four directions (in horizontal and vertical terms). Thus bi-directional understanding with respect to both horizontal and vertical polarities is possible (in confused terms at L2 and in a mature manner at H2).

L3 and H3 have eight directions (in horizontal, vertical and diagonal terms). Thus bi-directional understanding with respect to all three sets of polarities takes place at L3 and H3 (in a confused manner at L3 and mature fashion at H3).

Finally the radial levels (R1, R2 and R3) represent the combined interaction in varying configurations of differentiated (asymmetrical) with integral (complementary) appreciation of directions.
 

Each of the directions is then defined in terms of modes (which represent the most specific definition of stages).

I define primary modes (affective, cognitive and volitional) and composite modes which are - sometimes - misleadingly referred to as lines of development.
 

All these stages are defined in a linear (asymmetrical) and a circular (complementary) fashion with the precise relationship defined for any point in development (as is the basis of the radial approach).

These can be defined with respect to stages of self (and reality), structures and states (and body and mind).
 

I also define development with respect to types and phases.

The types refer to personality types. These are important as a particular personality type can significantly influence the likely path which development may take. I have 24 (key) personality types (again all defined with a precise holistic mathematical structure).

The phases define the dynamic pattern of development over a specified range of stages.

For example we could defined the unfolding of development (with respect to its dynamic features) over a major level.
 

Finally the dynamic structure pertaining to every stage can be precisely defined in a holistic mathematical manner.