ABSTRACT
Without commenting specifically on the definitions by Lerner and Tobach, instead a general observation: Any discussion should acknowledge the fact that the concept of levels of integration has a wider usefulness than that of the present context. It should ideally include, but also go beyond, the framework of the Schneirla conferences. As Tobach’s historical introduction makes clear, the concept has had a considerable historical development, which the definition should reflect. It has, for instance, contributed significantly to the description of different levels of social organization and the place of the individual within this framework. I consider it essential not to try to be too specific (and therefore limiting) in formulating the definition in order not to lose this wider usefulness.
