Creativity, ethics and transformation: key factors in a transdisciplinary application of systems methodology to resolving wicked problems in sustainability

Edited book (chapter)

Palmer, Jane, Smith, Tanzi, Willetts, Juliet and Mitchell, Cynthia. 2009. "Creativity, ethics and transformation: key factors in a transdisciplinary application of systems methodology to resolving wicked problems in sustainability." Sheffield, James (ed.) Systemic development: local solutions in a global environment. Goodyear, Arizona, USA. ISCE Publishing. pp. 69-78
Chapter Title

Creativity, ethics and transformation: key factors in a transdisciplinary application of systems methodology to resolving wicked problems in sustainability

Book Chapter CategoryEdited book (chapter)
ERA Publisher ID2304
Book TitleSystemic development: local solutions in a global environment
AuthorsPalmer, Jane (Author), Smith, Tanzi (Author), Willetts, Juliet (Author) and Mitchell, Cynthia (Author)
EditorsSheffield, James
Page Range69-78
Chapter Number7
Number of Pages10
Year2009
PublisherISCE Publishing
Place of PublicationGoodyear, Arizona, USA
ISBN9780981703275
Abstract

Sustainability is a wicked problem that requires a transdisciplinary approach. The defining characteristics of transdisciplinarity include collaborative, creative, higher order thinking which transcends discipline boundaries, the explicit contribution of an ethical or moral perspective to problem resolution, and the generation of new knowledge and new resolutions not available in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary environments. These characteristics align well with theories on transformative learning and Wilber’s theories on consciousness evolution. However we need ways to translate this thinking into practice.
Soft systems methodology could provide this practical element, but does not necessarily emphasise transformative learning, or moral perspectives aligned with sustainability i.e. valuing of ecologically restorative, socially just, economically profitable resolutions. This paper explores how integration of a transformative learning process with soft systems methodology might provide a useful transdisciplinary approach to sustainability.

Keywordstrandisciplinarity, transformative learning, ethics, systems, sustainability
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020441006. Sociological methodology and research methods
500199. Applied ethics not elsewhere classified
520402. Decision making
441004. Social change
410499. Environmental management not elsewhere classified
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Byline AffiliationsUniversity of Technology Sydney
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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