Discordant pluralism: A new strategy for critical systems thinking

Journal/Book: Syst Practice. 1996; 9: 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013. Plenum Publ Corp. 605-625.

Abstract: Systems science is characterised by a huge diversity of theories and practical applications which have arisen since its inception. Each of these theories and ways of practising systems science has legitimate claims for its ability to handle certain kinds of systems problems. Dealing with this diversity can be seen as a critical issue for systems thinking and practice. One approach to handling this rich diversity has been to attempt to capture it in frameworks which align features and positions in a ''complementarist'' fashion. By reviewing work undertaken by systems thinkers who have advocated such a stance, it will be demonstrated that complementarism has its faults, and can be perceived as an imperialist strategy. A route out of the impasse will be suggested through the use of a form of discordant pluralism, which, if taken up, has the potential for bringing together conflicting perspectives in a new constellation.

Note: Article Gregory WJ, Univ Hull, Dept Management Syst & Sci, Cottingham Rd, Kingston Hull HU6 7RX, N Humberside, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): critical systems thinking; complementarism; constellation; discordant pluralism; METHODOLOGIES; MANAGEMENT; SCIENCE

Zurück | Weiter