The Challenge of Transitioning to a Sustainable World - Clues to Barriers in the Interstitial Spaces Between Systems Thinking, Edge of Chaos, and Holistic Perspective

EasyChair Preprint 10835

Abstract

A South African case study serves to illustrate how to transform conventional systems thinking to more encompassing holistic systems practice. In pursuing a sustainable world, a hidden obstacle is examined—the inclination to prediction and control that accompanies the mechanistic application of linear systems mapping. By embracing the concept of 'emergence' as a product of the synthetic tendencies inherent in living systems, holistic systems practice redirects its focus toward steering the regenerative forces of life at the local level.

A transformative epistemological framework embracing 'edge of chaos’ is presented. In the delicate balance between the extremes of equilibrium and chaos, ‘edge of chaos’ is the fertile ground for engaging with emergence. With this process-oriented perspective, holistic systems practitioners can develop  enhanced ability for adaptive problem-solving. Attention shifts from isolated components to the intricate dance of processes, reframing interventions from the pursuit of fixed 'solutions' to the nurturing of regenerative cultures.

Further potential illumination emerges from the interstitial spaces that lie in a Venn diagram at the intersection of systems thinking, 'edge of chaos,' and the holistic perspective. These insights might empower individuals with further agility and agency for adaptation. By embracing collaborative engagement with emergence, autopoiesis, as the self-sustaining nature of living systems, is catalysed. As practitioners acknowledge their integral role within the systems they influence, they might pivot from theoretical problem-solving to immersive participation. Entering more deeply into the state of ‘interbeing’, heightened sensitivity can unlock the inherent intelligence and purposefulness of localised systems. Consequently, efforts evolve towards a harmonious collaboration with these systems, propelling their continued growth and evolution.

Keyphrases: Epistemology, Holistic Systems Practice, Interbeing, Interstitial Spaces, Ontology, autopoiesis, edge of chaos

@booklet{EasyChair:10835,
  author    = {Claudius van Wyk},
  title     = {The Challenge of Transitioning to a Sustainable World - Clues to Barriers in the Interstitial Spaces Between Systems Thinking, Edge of Chaos, and Holistic Perspective},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 10835},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2023}}