Embracing Human Experience in Applied Systems-Thinking

Applied systems‐thinking involves the use of systems methodologies and concepts to facilitate intervention in social situations. In this area, a body of knowledge has been accumulated to promote informed use of systems methodology. Still, how human experience is considered and used in intervention i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Systems research and behavioral science 2011-11, Vol.28 (6), p.680-688
Main Author: Córdoba-Pachón, José-Rodrigo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
applied systems-thinking
autopoiesis
Cognition & reasoning
Empathy
Francisco Varela
History of science
human experience
Intervention
Methodology
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Science
Scientific research
Scientists
Social psychology
Studies
System theory
Systems analysis
systems methodology
Systems theory
Varela, Francisco
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Summary:Applied systems‐thinking involves the use of systems methodologies and concepts to facilitate intervention in social situations. In this area, a body of knowledge has been accumulated to promote informed use of systems methodology. Still, how human experience is considered and used in intervention is limited to what methodologies prescribe or what facilitators do with it. In this paper, we revisit the ideas of autopoiesis and in particular the research project pursued by one of his original authors (Francisco Varela). Following Varela's intent to develop a middle way in science, we reflect on how applied systems‐thinkingcould take a step back regarding how human experience is integrated into intervention. We conclude the paper with a number of suggestions to make applied systems‐thinking more permeable and sensitive to human experience and therefore open to compassionate thinking and action. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ISSN:1092-7026
1099-1743
DOI:10.1002/sres.1117