Critical Issues in Systems Theory and Practice

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Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1475798830
Total Pages : 684 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (757 download)

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Book Synopsis Critical Issues in Systems Theory and Practice by : K. Ellis

Download or read book Critical Issues in Systems Theory and Practice written by K. Ellis and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-06-29 with total page 684 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The systems movement, now 40 years old, is made up of many associations of systems thinkers from different disciplines all over the world. The United Kingdom Systems Society (UKSS) was formed in 1978. Today it has over 300 members and is committed to the development and promotion of "systems" philosophy, theory, concepts and methodolo gies for improving decision making for the benefit of organizations and wider society. The first UKSS International Conference was held at the University of Hull in July ofHuddersfield 1989. Since then we have held International Conferences at the Universities (1991) and Paisley (1993). The UKSS International Conferences are now an established biannual event and this, our fourth international conference, will be jointly hosted by the Universities of Hull and Humberside. Systems science is considered to be a trans-discipline which promotes critical and effective intervention in complex organisational and social problem situations. As such it traverses "hard", through "soft" to "critical" systems thinking and methodologies. Yet, despite the currently robust state of the UKSS the systems movement cannot be described as an international movement: different subdisciplines are at different stages of development and are often engaged in pursuing their own particular interests and themes with little "conversation" between the subdisciplines despite their common interest in systems.

The Emerging Consensus in Social Systems Theory

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Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1461512638
Total Pages : 551 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (615 download)

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Book Synopsis The Emerging Consensus in Social Systems Theory by : Kenneth C. Bausch

Download or read book The Emerging Consensus in Social Systems Theory written by Kenneth C. Bausch and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 551 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In The Emerging Consensus of Social Systems Theory Bausch summarizes the works of over 30 major systemic theorists. He then goes on to show the converging areas of consensus among these out-standing thinkers. Bausch categorizes the social aspects of current systemic thinking as falling into five broadly thematic areas: designing social systems, the structure of the social world, communication, cognition and epistemology. These five areas are foundational for a theoretic and practical systemic synthesis. They were topics of contention in a historic debate between Habermas and Luhmann in the early 1970's. They continue to be contentious topics within the study of social philosophy. Since the 1970's, systemic thinking has taken great strides in the areas of mathematics, physics, biology, psychology, and sociology. This book presents a spectrum of those theoretical advances. It synthesizes what various strains of contemporary systems science have to say about social processes and assesses the quality of the resulting integrated explanations. Bausch gives a detailed study of the works of many present-day systems theorists, both in general terms, and with regard to social processes. He then creates and validates integrated representations of their thoughts with respect to his own thematic classifications. He provides a background of systemic thinking from an historical context, as well as detailed studies of developments in sociological, cognitive and evolutionary theory. This book presents a coherent, dynamic model of a self-organizing world. It proposes a creative and ethical method of decision-making and design. It makes explicit the relations between structure and process in the realms of knowledge and being. The new methodology that evolves in this book allows us to deal with enormous complexity, and to relate ideas so as to draw out previously unsuspected conclusions and syntheses. Therein lies the elegance and utility of this model.

General Systems Theory

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Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 9812774750
Total Pages : 538 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (127 download)

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Book Synopsis General Systems Theory by : Lars Skyttner

Download or read book General Systems Theory written by Lars Skyttner and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2005 with total page 538 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Systems theorists see common principles in the structure and operation of systems of all kinds and sizes. They promote an interdisciplinary science adapted for a universal application with a common language and area of concepts. In order to solve problems, make recommendations and predict the future, they use theories, models and concepts from the vast area of general systems theory. This approach is chosen as a means to overcome the fragmentation of knowledge and the isolation of the specialist but also to find new approaches to problems created by earlier 'solution of problems.'. This revised and updated second edition of General Systems Theory OCo Ideas and Applications includes new systems theories and a new chapter on self-organization and evolution. The book summarizes most of the fields of systems theory and its application systems science in one volume. It provides a quick and readable reference guide for future learning containing both general theories and practical applications without the use of complicated mathematics. Sample Chapter(s). Chapter 1: The Emergence of Holistic Thinking (2,002 KB). Contents: The Theories and Why: The Emergence of Holistic Thinking; Basic Ideas of General Systems Theory; A Selection of Systems Theories; Communication and Information Theory; Some Theories of Brain and Mind; Self-Organization and Evolution; The Applications and How: Artificial Intelligence and Life; Organizational Theory and Management Cybernetics; Decision-Making and Decision Aids; Informatics; Some of the Systems Methodologies; The Future of Systems Theory. Readership: Computer specialists, architects, businessmen, decision makers of all kinds, teachers and holistic thinkers."

The Science of Synthesis

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Publisher : University Press of Colorado
ISBN 13 : 1457109875
Total Pages : 398 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (571 download)

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Book Synopsis The Science of Synthesis by : Debora Hammond

Download or read book The Science of Synthesis written by Debora Hammond and published by University Press of Colorado. This book was released on 2011-05-18 with total page 398 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Debora Hammond's The Science of Synthesis explores the development of general systems theory and the individuals who gathered together around that idea to form the Society for General Systems Research. In examining the life and work of the SGSR's five founding members-Ludwig von Bertalanffy, Kenneth Boulding, Ralph Gerard, James Grier Miller, and Anatol Rapoport-Hammond traces the emergence of systems ideas across a broad range of disciplines in the mid-twentieth century. Both metaphor and framework, the systems concept as articulated by its earliest proponents highlights relationship and interconnectedness among the biological, ecological, social, psychological, and technological dimensions of our increasingly complex lives. Seeking to transcend the reductionism and mechanism of classical science-which they saw as limited by its focus on the discrete, component parts of reality-the general systems community hoped to complement this analytic approach with a more holistic orientation. As one of many systems traditions, the general systems group was specifically interested in fostering collaboration and integration among different disciplinary perspectives, with an emphasis on nurturing more participatory and truly democratic forms of social organization. The Science of Synthesis documents a unique episode in the history of modern thought, one that remains relevant today. This book will be of interest to historians of science, system thinkers, scholars and practitioners in the social sciences, management, organization development and related fields, as well as the general reader interested in the history of ideas that have shaped critical developments in the second half of the twentieth century.

Deliberative Systems in Theory and Practice

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Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1351182625
Total Pages : 245 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (511 download)

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Book Synopsis Deliberative Systems in Theory and Practice by : Stephen Elstub

Download or read book Deliberative Systems in Theory and Practice written by Stephen Elstub and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2019-12-18 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Deliberative democracy is an approach to democracy that requires collective decision-making to be preceded by reasoned, inclusive, and respectful debate for it to be legitimate. It has become an increasingly dominant approach to democracy over the last few decades. In recent years, there has been a particular focus on ‘deliberative systems.’ A systemic approach to deliberative democracy opens up a new way of thinking about public deliberation in both theory and practice. It suggests understanding deliberation as a communicative activity that occurs in a diversity of spaces, and emphasizes the need for interconnection between these spaces. It offers promising solutions to some of the long-standing theoretical issues in the deliberative democracy literature such as legitimation, inclusion, representation, as well as the interaction and interconnection between public opinion formation and decision-making sites more generally. The deliberative systems approach also offers a new way of conceptualizing and studying the practice of deliberation in contemporary democracies. Despite its conceptual and practical appeal, the concept of deliberative systems also entails potential problems and raises several important questions. These include the relationship with the parts and the whole of the deliberative system, the prospects of its institutionalization, and various difficulties related to its empirical analysis. The deliberative systems approach therefore requires greater theoretical critical scrutiny, and empirical investigation. This book contributes to this endeavour by bringing together cutting edge research on the theory and practice of deliberative systems. It will identify the key challenges against the concept to enhance understanding of both its prospects and problems promoting its refinement accordingly. The chapters originally published as a special issue in Critical Policy Studies.

Systems for Sustainability

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Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1489902651
Total Pages : 695 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (899 download)

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Book Synopsis Systems for Sustainability by : Frank A. Stowell

Download or read book Systems for Sustainability written by Frank A. Stowell and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-11-11 with total page 695 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The term "sustainability" has entered the lexicon of many academic disciplines and fields of professional practice, but to date does not appear to have been seriously consid ered within the systems community unless, perhaps, under other guises. Within the wider community there is no consensus around what sustainability means with some authors identifying 70 to 100 definitions of the term. Some see sustainability as the precise and quantifiable outcomes of biological systems whilst others see it in terms of processes rele vant to personal and organizational change with the potential to effect changes in our rela tionships with out environments. Internationally it has been increasingly used in relation to the term "sustainable development"--a term popularised by the Brundland Commis of definitions sion's report in 1987 entitled "Our Common Future. " Despite this diversity and polarised perception on its utility, unlike many other popular terms, it has not had its time and subsided quietly from our language. It is therefore timely for the systems com munity to explore the relationship between systems and sustainability in a range of con texts. Participants in this, the 5th International Conference of the United Kingdom Systems Society (UKSS), have been invited to reflect critically on the contribution of sys tems thinking and action to sustainability-to the sustainability of personal relationships, the organizations in which live and work, and our "natural" environment.

Handbook of Systems Sciences

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Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 9789811507199
Total Pages : 1443 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (71 download)

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Book Synopsis Handbook of Systems Sciences by : Gary S. Metcalf

Download or read book Handbook of Systems Sciences written by Gary S. Metcalf and published by Springer. This book was released on 2021-07-28 with total page 1443 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The primary purpose of this handbook is to clearly describe the current state of theories of systems sciences and to support their use and practice. There are many ways in which systems sciences can be described. This handbook takes a multifaceted view of systems sciences and describes them in terms of a relatively large number of dimensions, from natural and engineering science to social science and systems management perspectives. It is not the authors’ intent, however, to produce a catalog of systems science concepts, methodologies, tools, or products. Instead, the focus is on the structural network of a variety of topics. Special emphasis is given to a cyclic–interrelated view; for example, when a theory of systems sciences is described, there is also discussion of how and why the theory is relevant to modeling or practice in reality. Such an interrelationship between theory and practice is also illustrated when an applied research field in systems sciences is explained. The chapters in the handbook present definitive discussions of systems sciences from a wide array of perspectives. The needs of practitioners in industry and government as well as students aspiring to careers in systems sciences provide the motivation for the majority of the chapters. The handbook begins with a comprehensive introduction to the coverage that follows. It provides not only an introduction to systems sciences but also a brief overview and integration of the succeeding chapters in terms of a knowledge map. The introduction is intended to be used as a field guide that indicates why, when, and how to use the materials or topics contained in the handbook.

Clinical Decision Support Systems

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Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1475739036
Total Pages : 265 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (757 download)

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Book Synopsis Clinical Decision Support Systems by : Eta S. Berner

Download or read book Clinical Decision Support Systems written by Eta S. Berner and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-06-29 with total page 265 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written by nationally and internationally recognised experts on the design, evaluation and application of such systems, this book examines the impact of practitioner and patient use of computer-based diagnostic tools. It serves simultaneously as a resource book on diagnostic systems for informatics specialists; a textbook for teachers or students in health or medical informatics training programs; and as a comprehensive introduction for clinicians, with or without expertise in the applications of computers in medicine, who are interested in learning about current developments in computer-based diagnostic systems. Designed for a broad range of clinicians in need of decision support.

Systems Theory and Practice in the Knowledge Age

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Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1461506018
Total Pages : 464 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (615 download)

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Book Synopsis Systems Theory and Practice in the Knowledge Age by : Gillian Ragsdell

Download or read book Systems Theory and Practice in the Knowledge Age written by Gillian Ragsdell and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 464 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Welcome to the proceedings of the Seventh International Conference of the UK Systems Society being held at York University, United Kingdom from July 7th to 10th, 2002. It is a pleasure to be able to share with you this collection ofpapers that have been contributed by systems thinkers from around the world. As with previous UKSS conferences, the aim ofthis conference is to encourage debate and promote development of pertinent issues in systems theory and practice. In current times where the focus has moved from 'information' to 'knowledge' and where 'knowledge management', of everyday speak, it seemed fitting to 'knowledge assets' and so on, have become part offer a conference title of'Systems Theory and Practice in the Knowledge Age'. In keeping with another tradition of previous conferences, the UKSS Conference 2002 Committee decided to compile a collection ofdelegates' papers before the event as a platform from which to launch discussions in York. Ideas presented in the following papers will, undoubtedly, be developed during the dialogue generated at the conference and new papers will emerge. In his abstract for his plenary at this conference, Professor Peter Checkland throws down the gauntlet to systems thinking and its relevance in the knowledge age with the following statement: "30 Years In The Systems Movement: Disappointments I Have Known and Hopes/or the Future Springing from a lunchtime conversation at an American University, the Systems Movement is now nearly 50 years old.

Critical Systems Thinking

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Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 0585346518
Total Pages : 304 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (853 download)

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Book Synopsis Critical Systems Thinking by : Robert L. Flood

Download or read book Critical Systems Thinking written by Robert L. Flood and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2007-08-28 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume offers comprehensive treatment of the latest developments in critical systems thinking and practice. The book features contributions by researchers at the prestigious Centre for Systems Studies at the University of Hull, England. The emphasis is on rigorous analysis of the wide range of approaches to problem solving reported in the research literature. This work will enhance the studies of researchers and students in the areas of systems problem solving, action research, management science, and operational research.

Theory at a Glance

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Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 52 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (319 download)

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Book Synopsis Theory at a Glance by : Karen Glanz

Download or read book Theory at a Glance written by Karen Glanz and published by . This book was released on 1997 with total page 52 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Traditions of Systems Theory

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Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1135013691
Total Pages : 386 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (35 download)

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Book Synopsis Traditions of Systems Theory by : Darrell Arnold

Download or read book Traditions of Systems Theory written by Darrell Arnold and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-12-17 with total page 386 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The term ‘systems theory’ is used to characterize a set of disparate yet related approaches to fields as varied as information theory, cybernetics, biology, sociology, history, literature, and philosophy. What unites each of these traditions of systems theory is a shared focus on general features of systems and their fundamental importance for diverse areas of life. Yet there are considerable differences among these traditions, and each tradition has developed its own methodologies, journals, and forms of anaylsis. This book explores this terrain and provides an overview of and guide to the traditions of systems theory in their considerable variety. The book draws attention to the traditions of systems theory in their historical development, especially as related to the humanities and social sciences, and shows how from these traditions various contemporary developments have ensued. It provides a guide for strains of thought that are key to understanding 20th century intellectual life in many areas.

Synergy Matters

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Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 0306474670
Total Pages : 657 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (64 download)

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Book Synopsis Synergy Matters by : Adrian M. Castell

Download or read book Synergy Matters written by Adrian M. Castell and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2007-05-08 with total page 657 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 21st century is now almost upon us and, whilst this represents a somewhat artificial boundary, it provides an opportunity for reflection upon the changes, and the accelerating pace of change, in our social, economic, and natural environments. These changes and their effects are profound, not least in terms of access to information and communication technologies, at once global in effect and manifest locally. These changes and their consequent demands are reflected in the theme of this volume: Synergy Matters, proceedings from the 6th UK Systems Society International Conference.

Complex System Governance

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Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 3030938522
Total Pages : 592 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (39 download)

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Book Synopsis Complex System Governance by : Charles B. Keating

Download or read book Complex System Governance written by Charles B. Keating and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2022-04-18 with total page 592 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores Complex System Governance (CSG)—an emerging field concerned with the design, execution, and evolution of essential functions necessary to ensure continued viability of a system. The book focuses on three primary development areas to better understand and utilize current developments CSG. First, the conceptual foundations for CSG are developed, from systems theory, management cybernetics, and governance. Second, a set of critical CSG topics are examined from conceptual as well as practice perspectives. Third, several development and application issues are discussed. Ultimately, CSG is positioned as an emerging field with strong theoretical grounding and significant implications for improving practices and performance to better address complex systems and their problems.

Challenges of Information Technology Management in the 21st Century

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Publisher : IGI Global
ISBN 13 : 9781878289841
Total Pages : 1244 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (898 download)

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Book Synopsis Challenges of Information Technology Management in the 21st Century by : Information Resources Management Association. International Conference

Download or read book Challenges of Information Technology Management in the 21st Century written by Information Resources Management Association. International Conference and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2000 with total page 1244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As the 21st century begins, we are faced with opportunities and challenges of available technology as well as pressured to create strategic and tactical plans for future technology. Worldwide, IT professionals are sharing and trading concepts and ideas for effective IT management, and this co-operation is what leads to solid IT management practices. This volume is a collection of papers that present IT management perspectives from professionals around the world. The papers seek to offer new ideas, refine old ones, and pose interesting scenarios to help the reader develop company-sensitive management strategies.

Information Systems Strategic Management

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Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1134631650
Total Pages : 222 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (346 download)

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Book Synopsis Information Systems Strategic Management by : Senior Research Fellow Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics Research Fellow Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics Faculty of Philosophy University of Oxford Steve Clarke

Download or read book Information Systems Strategic Management written by Senior Research Fellow Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics Research Fellow Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics Faculty of Philosophy University of Oxford Steve Clarke and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2002-02-07 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This comprehensive guide to the strategic management of information systems within business and public sector organizations integrates the two, often disparate, domains of strategic management and information systems. Focusing on managing information systems within a broader organizational context, it covers key issues such as: * corporate strategy * information systems strategy from both practical and theoretical perspectives * contemporary information systems strategic issues * the technical versus social debate in information systems strategy * ways forward for the application of strategic thinking. With strong pedagogical features and lecturer aids, this useful guide will be a valuable resource for undergraduates in the fields of business, management and information systems.

Immersive Systemic Knowing

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Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 3030491358
Total Pages : 231 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (34 download)

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Book Synopsis Immersive Systemic Knowing by : Raghav Rajagopalan

Download or read book Immersive Systemic Knowing written by Raghav Rajagopalan and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-10-16 with total page 231 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book advances systems thinking by introducing a new philosophy of systemic knowing. It argues that there are inescapable limits to rational understanding. Humankind has always depended on extended ways of knowing to complement the rational-analytic approach. The book establishes that the application of such methods is fundamental to systemic practice. The author advocates embracing two modes of consciousness: intentionality, which Western philosophy has long recognized, and non-intentional awareness, which Eastern philosophy additionally highlights. The simultaneity of these two modes of consciousness, and the variety of knowings they spawn are harnessed for a more holistic, systemic knowing. Four practices from fields related to systems thinking are examined: two contemporary action research methodologies from the US and the UK; the Sumedhian (Indian) approach to inquiry about processes within groups; and a technique of group psychotherapy originating in Eastern Europe. Each of these systematically harnesses knowing using both modes of consciousness. Therefore, the author insists, such approaches must be included in systemic practice, in purposeful and methodical juxtaposition to rational-analytic ways. The book provides examples and guidelines for deployment. “All researchers and practitioners of systems thinking and action research must read this book...Raghav has craftfully blended Eastern and Western wisdom. He uses his immersion into Eastern ways of knowing practically, to elaborate the systems philosophy in rich detail. He has incorporated, from cooperative inquiry as action research, the idea of four ways of knowing: practical, propositional, presentational and experiential, to bolster the foundations of systems thinking”―SHANKAR SANKARAN, Professor, University of Technology Sydney, Australia; President International Society of Systems Sciences (ISSS) 2019-2020 “This is a book with the potential to stimulate the emergence of a new paradigm. Raghav shows that systems thinking can transcend rational analysis and incorporate other ways of knowing, such as arts-based methods... also, rather than be overly preoccupied with striving for change, there is value in simply abiding, which comes with a deep appreciation of the ecological relationships we are part of. It’s not that rational analysis is wrong – it’s that it is only part of a genuinely transformative practice”. ―GERALD MIDGLEY, Co-Director, Centre for Systems Studies, University of Hull; former President, ISSS (2013-14) “Raghav Rajagopalan’s writing on generating deep appreciation for the social and ecological interdependencies ties in closely with my own work. The philosophical ideas he develops contain the tracings and essential tones of Gregory Bateson’s idea of "Mind" as a process of living complexities reaching well beyond the notion of the body. This book demonstrates outstanding erudition and deep compassion at the same time. It should delight the adventurous reader unafraid of big questions”.―NORA BATESON, President of the International Bateson Institute