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Modes of Thinking (In) Complexity: An Interdisciplinary Mapping of Key Questions and Challenges for Theory, Research and Practice

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  • Melo, Ana Teixeira
  • Caves, Leo Simon Dominic
  • El-Hani, Charbel N.
  • Renault, Letícia
  • Gershenson, Carlos
  • Soto-Andrade, Jorge
  • Ribeiro, Raquel
  • Röck, Tina
  • Pernar, Stefan
  • Britez, Isabel

Abstract

The study of complex systems has led to deep transformations in our modes of thinking, challenging our conceptions of reality and, with them, our roles and possibilities for action as agents in a complex world. A variety of modes of thinking co-exist within the fuzzy boundaries of the domain of complexity studies. Different modes of thinking complexity and of thinking ‘in’ complexity (enacting its principles) can be distinguished in the literature, even though they are not always explicitly identified. Despite the seminal calls of Edgar Morin for the development of more generalised modes of complex thinking, this is still an underdeveloped area of research and practice under the scope of Complexity Studies. This paper aims to make a contribution to the understanding of complexity and complex systems by offering a discussion around the complexity of the modes of thinking complexity. We report both the process and the outcomes of an interdisciplinary workshop aimed at identifying key theoretical, empirical, methodological and pragmatic challenges and questions pertaining to how we think, build, coordinate and practise different modes of thinking complexity and of thinking in complexity (thinking complexly). The workshop adopted a collaborative and dialogical approach organised by a methodology grounded in a theoretical framework for the practice of complex thinking. The methodology was designed to support complex relational dialogues and facilitate emergence (e.g. of new ideas; approaches; levels of understanding; solutions) in the collective discussion. We conducted a mixed-method evaluation of both the process and contents of the discussion using a combination of inductive qualitative thematic analysis and network analysis. The results point towards new areas for interdisciplinary research and practice, signposting domains that have been under explored within the realm of complexity studies and complexity sciences.

Suggested Citation

  • Melo, Ana Teixeira & Caves, Leo Simon Dominic & El-Hani, Charbel N. & Renault, Letícia & Gershenson, Carlos & Soto-Andrade, Jorge & Ribeiro, Raquel & Röck, Tina & Pernar, Stefan & Britez, Isabel, 2023. "Modes of Thinking (In) Complexity: An Interdisciplinary Mapping of Key Questions and Challenges for Theory, Research and Practice," OSF Preprints v6t2h, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:osfxxx:v6t2h
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/v6t2h
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