Research

The argument, open to challenge.

[Placeholder] Papers, working papers and video essays behind the discipline, free to read and cite.

Papers

Research - 2hrs

Axiological Primitivism – DRAFT

The case that value is an ontological primitive, prior to consciousness rather than produced by it.

O'Brien, K, 2026

Open
Read the paper →

Research - 2hrs

Integral Motivation Theory – DRAFT

Value, Motivation and Purpose as irreducible, integrative primitives of human motivation and cultural formation.

O'Brien, K, 2026

Open
Read the paper →

Research - 5hrs

Recalibrating the Deep Code – DRAFT

Metanarratives reconceived as the implicit grammar of value, motivation and purpose beneath culture.

O'Brien, K, 2026

Open
Read the paper →

Research - 2hrs

Evil as extrinsic capture – DRAFT

O'Brien, K, 2026

Open
Read the paper →

Where we stand

How does Master Storytelling relate to Common Cause, Integral Theory and Self-Determination Theory?

Video essays

Members
Free with an account

Video essay · 24 mins

Exploring metamodernism (sample)

Collaborate

Researching motivation, value or culture? Test the framework with us, challenge it, or bring it into your own work.

Download our FREE guide to the Master Storytelling framework

Available by email only. Sign up below to receive your copy.