1 INTEGRALISM AS A SOCIAL MOVEMENT

Integralism is viewed as an incipient paradigm that encompasses the social sciences. Drawing from the works of Randall Collins and Edward A. Tiryakian, the criteria of a successful school of thought in the social sciences and the requirements for its development are considered. Seven projects necessary for establishing integralism as a successful school are identified. Integralism is a theoretical perspective and research agenda which encompasses all of the social sciences. The foundation of this system of thought is an ontology and epistemology which combines the senses, reason, and faith into a harmonious perspective. The essential characteristics of integralism have been described in previous articles (Jeffries 1999, 2001, 2003; Johnston 1996, 2001). This article further extends the analysis of integralism and serves as the introduction to a symposium on various aspects of the integral paradigm. In this article factors that should be considered in understanding how integralism can be developed into a successful school of thought in the social sciences are identified. Integralism is viewed as an approach to the nature and practice of social science. It is also viewed as the basis for transforming these sciences. From the perspective of its potential to change the social sciences, the nature and role of integralism as a social movement is considered. Writings in the sociology o