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Showing papers in "World Futures in 2014"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the methodology of transdisciplinarity, and conclude that we are at the threshold of a New Renaissance, with the notion of "levels of reality", the logic of included middle, and universal interdependence.
Abstract: In this article, I will describe the methodology of transdisciplinarity. My analysis will be divided in several parts: what means “beyond disciplines”; the distinction between multidisciplinarity, interdisciplinarity, indisciplinarity, and transdisciplinarity; the definition of disciplinary boundaries; the axioms of the methodology of transdisciplinarity: the notion of “levels of Reality”; the logic of included middle; and the universal interdependence. I will conclude by asserting that we are at the threshold of a New Renaissance.

137 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the idea of becoming a transdisciplinary individual was developed, and the origins and contemporary currents of transdisciplinarity were traced from 1972 to present day, and traits of individuals involved in transdisciplinary projects were explored.
Abstract: This article develops the idea of becoming a transdisciplinary individual, and begins by tracing the origins and contemporary currents of transdisciplinarity (from 1972 to present day). Using Nicolescu's earlier concept of a transdisciplinary attitude as an intellectual springboard, this article explores the traits of individuals involved in transdisciplinary projects. Emergent from the literature are four overarching dimensions of understanding what is entailed in becoming and being a transdisciplinary individual: (a) an appreciation of an array of skills, characteristics, and personality traits aligned with a transdisciplinary attitude; (b) acceptance of the idea that transdisciplinary individuals are intellectual risk takers and institutional transgressors; (c) insights into the nuances of transdisciplinary practice and attendant virtues; (d) a respect for the role of creative inquiry, cultural diversity, and cultural relativism. More research is needed on the subjective and embodied experiences of tra...

123 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors draw attention to a crucial factor frequently omitted from the global development agenda, namely the explosive population growth inevitably expected in Tropical Africa in the nearest decades as a result of the region's laggardness in fertility transition.
Abstract: Our article draws attention to a crucial factor frequently omitted from the global development agenda, namely the explosive population growth inevitably expected in Tropical Africa in the nearest decades as a result of the region's laggardness in fertility transition. Population doubling (or even tripling) in the next decades can seriously undermine the development prospects of Tropical African countries and lead to sociopolitical destabilization or even large-scale violent conflicts with possibly global consequences. Bringing down the population growth rates (mainly through substantially reducing the fertility rates) appears to be crucial for the achievement of the 1977 “Goals for Mankind,” as well as the Millennium Development Goals, and, as we proceed to show, can be most effectively achieved through substantially increasing female secondary education, which, in turn, should be achieved by introducing compulsory secondary education and making it the first-rate development priority.

47 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors offer forecasts of the geopolitical and geo-economic development of the world in the forthcoming decades, and explain why the globalization was bound to lead to the explosive rise of many developing countries and the relative weakening of the developed economies.
Abstract: The article offers forecasts of the geopolitical and geo-economic development of the world in the forthcoming decades. One of the main accusations directed toward globalization is that it deepens the gap between the developed and developing countries dooming them to eternal backwardness. The article demonstrates that the actual situation is very different. It is shown that this is due to the globalization that the developing countries are generally growing much faster than the developed states, the World System core starts weakening and its periphery begins to strengthen. At the same time there is a continuing divergence between the main bulk of developing countries and the group of the poorest developing states. The article also explains why the globalization was bound to lead to the explosive rise of many developing countries and the relative weakening of the developed economies. In the forthcoming decades this trend is likely to continue (although, of course, not without certain interruptions). It is a...

33 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Several methods for identifying a finite set of diverse scenario logics are described to help identify which of several scenarios is in fact unfolding.
Abstract: This article covers the basics of scenario planning: Why scenarios? What are scenarios? How do you develop scenarios? After covering the preliminaries—the constitution of the scenario team; interviews; research; the identification of a focal issue; set and setting for a scenario workshop; staffing; the trajectory of a scenario planning project—the article moves on to describe several methods for identifying a finite set of diverse scenario logics After a set of scenarios has been developed, there are several different routes from scenarios to strategy Early indicators can help identify which of several scenarios is in fact unfolding

24 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors argue that the temporal structure of stories allows for a reach into the future that evidence-based, analytic approaches cannot achieve, and that the narrative form is uniquely appropriate to both the development and the effective communication of good strategies.
Abstract: Strategic planning exercises often begin with the observation, “We need a better story to tell.” We argue that this is not just a figure of speech but that the narrative form is uniquely appropriate to both the development and the effective communication of good strategies. Drawing on recent literature in the relatively new field of narratology, we argue that the temporal structure of stories allows for a reach into the future that evidence-based, analytic approaches cannot achieve. The case of Nakamura's turnaround at Matsushita/Panasonic is cited as an example of narrative strategy.

19 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Nicolescuian transdisciplinarity as mentioned in this paper is a new methodology for creating knowledge and it comprises three axioms: multiple levels of reality and the hidden third; the Logic of the Inclusive Middle; and, knowledge as complex, emergent, and embodied.
Abstract: This article tenders an inaugural discussion of how conceptual change theory can contribute to deeper understandings of what is conceptually involved when people attempt (or succeed) to transition from multi- and interdisciplinarity to transdisciplinarity. After explaining the nuances of Newtonian thinking (framed as formal rather than postformal thinking), the article shares a comparison of multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinarity along four dimensions. Special attention is given to Nicolescuian transdisciplinarity, an approach predicated on the new sciences of quantum physics, chaos theory, and living systems theory (rather than Newtonian and Cartesian thinking). Nicolescuian transdisciplinarity is a new methodology for creating knowledge and it comprises three axioms: multiple Levels of Reality and the Hidden Third; the Logic of the Inclusive Middle; and, knowledge as complex, emergent, and embodied. The discussion then turns to an overview of three basic approaches to conceptual change theory: knowledg...

18 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Transleadership as mentioned in this paper is an idea informed by Nicolescuian transdisciplinarity, which advocates the intricate and complex process of leading a diverse collection of (often contradictory) people, ideas, and consciousness to a new space and place where transdisciplinary knowledge can be created to address wicked problems facing humanity.
Abstract: This article shares the genesis of a new idea we called transleadership, as it is informed by Nicolescuian transdisciplinarity. While aligned with several leading edge approaches to leadership, we propose that transleadership stands out because it emerges at the convergence of seven transconcepts: complexity (emergence), logic and reality, intersubjectivity, sensemaking, tensions, power and influence, leverage, and the creation of in vivo, hybrid knowledge. Transleadership accommodates the intricate and complex process of leading a diverse collection of (often contradictory) people, ideas, and consciousness to a new space and place where transdisciplinary knowledge can be created to address wicked problems facing humanity, using transdisciplinary thinking.

18 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the use of integral maps and transdisciplinary methods increases the potential for effectiveness in our projects and strategies, using distinctions to conceptualize what is required for the leadership of these generative and transciplinary efforts is proposed as a precursor to defining leadership within contexts.
Abstract: Generativity involves supporting the thriving of present and future generations. The use of integral maps and transdisciplinary methods increases the potential for effectiveness in our projects and strategies. Using distinctions to conceptualize what is required for the leadership of these generative and transdisciplinary efforts is proposed as a precursor to defining leadership within contexts.

18 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an educational model for youth soccer coaches is proposed, based on reflection that originated from various experiences with about 110 Italian soccer coaches over the past six years, and the strength of this model was precisely to have put some recurrent issues in dialogue with the specific organizational contexts in which the educational programs were impl...
Abstract: Literature underscores the complex role of coaches in sport organizations, especially in youth sectors. Their need for support, not only on the technical level, is emerging. In recent years an interesting international debate has evolved regarding what education is most suitable to support coach development. The article intends to enter this debate by proposing an educational model for youth soccer coaches. This educational proposal is the outcome of reflection that originated from various experiences with about 110 Italian youth soccer coaches over the past six years. The first part is dedicated to a review of the literature on coaching education, and the second to the educational model presented (e.g., theoretical background, characteristics, setting, outcomes, and considerations regarding the management of this educational process). The strength of this model was precisely to have put some recurrent issues in dialogue with the specific organizational contexts in which the educational programs were impl...

17 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a transdisciplinary educational approach should integrate complexity, creativity, and an awareness of the most recent developments in the sciences, which is not appropriate for the twenty-first century.
Abstract: Our current educational systems reflect forms of thinking and organizing that are not appropriate for the twenty-first century. New transdisciplinary educational approaches should integrate complexity, creativity, and an awareness of the most recent developments in the sciences.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a preliminary framework combining three key integrative concepts, namely social metabolism, institutional structure, and inner world, is proposed to integrate economics with the environment, the collective, and the self and spirituality.
Abstract: There has been a growing interest in the integration of knowledge but few broad theoretical attempts in the field of economics. If integration is to be taken seriously, combining economic questions with the social and the natural sciences will not suffice. Psychology and the humanities will have to be incorporated, too. Inspired by the works of K. W. Kapp, C. G. Jung, and others, we develop a preliminary framework combining three key “integrative concepts”—(a) social metabolism, (b) the institutional structure, and (c) the inner world—within a perspective characterized by the interior/exterior distinction, evolution, openness, and the dialectics of potentials and actualizations. We argue that these three concepts help to integrate economics with the environment, the collective, and the self and spirituality. For each one of these integrated areas, we highlight some fundamental economic principles, namely (a) the implications of the differentiation of “natural resources,” (b) the signification of the disti...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the paradox of positive scenarios: they are much harder to write than negative scenarios, and the logic of emergent systems whose properties are neither reducible to nor predictable from the properties of their component parts.
Abstract: This article is divided into three parts. The first part describes the paradox of positive scenarios: they are much harder to write than negative scenarios. The second part describes the logic of emergent systems whose properties are neither reducible to nor predictable from the properties of their component parts. The third part shows how the concept of emergence can be used to lend plausibility to those optimistic scenarios that might otherwise be rejected as mere wishful thinking.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The passage from modernity to postmodernity deeply upset the group dimension, and, consequently, personal identity itself as mentioned in this paper, and the loss of cohesion of the sense of belonging and the weak internalization process of the elements that form the individual identity.
Abstract: The passage from modernity to postmodernity deeply upset the group dimension, and, consequently, personal identity itself. Transformations involving the entire planet, socioanthropological changes our society had to cope with, are producing a change in the dynamics of identity formation and the appearance of new psychopathological figures. The loss of cohesion of the sense of belonging and the weak internalization process of the elements that form the individual identity (cultural, linguistic, religious traditions, etc.) draw an essentially uncertain and temporary existence. Drawing on some themes of subjectual group analysis theory of personality, the article proposes the concept of dis-identity as key to read ongoing psychic changes.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This work aims at thoroughly studying a phenomenon that today is still not really discussed (i.e., the criminal organization called ‘Ndrangheta), and particularly deals with the culture and organizational structure of this Mafia phenomenon.
Abstract: This work aims at thoroughly studying a phenomenon that today is still not really discussed (i.e., the criminal organization called ‘Ndrangheta). We will particularly deal with the culture and organizational structure of this Mafia phenomenon and analyze its new territories of infiltration and domination (the region of Lombardy, in Northern Italy) after its migration from its original territory (the region of Calabria in Southern Italy). From the review of the existing literature on ‘Ndrangheta, we can actually point out that the contributions on the theme deal with the Mafia phenomenon, circumscribing it in its original territory, therefore mostly adopting a sociological and historical viewpoint. Up to today, nobody addressed ‘Ndrangheta outside these territorial boundaries and adopting a psychological viewpoint, which is the one this contribution starts from. In more specific terms, a text is analyzed, which is composed by the reports of the pre-trial detention order called Crimine-Infinito [Endless Cri...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Transdisciplinarity is defined as iteratively crossing back and forth and moving among and beyond disciplinary and sectoral boundaries to solve the complex, wicked pr... as discussed by the authors, focusing on transdiscipline.
Abstract: This special issue focuses on transdisciplinarity, understood as iteratively crossing back and forth and moving among and beyond disciplinary and sectoral boundaries to solve the complex, wicked pr...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors make a critique of the cellular automata as a model of the current global complexity, which ignores the nature of any complex system as constructed by the observer/actor and is unable to explain the sociohistorical construction of the agents/subjects.
Abstract: Since the foundation of the Santa Fe Institute, the new science of complex adaptive systems (CAS) has seen extraordinary development, breaking with previous, more epistemological, trends in complexity theory. This article makes a critique of CAS as a model of the current global complexity. Its basic model, the cellular automaton, which focuses on the interactive dynamics among components, ignores the nature of any complex system as constructed by the observer/actor and is unable to explain the sociohistorical construction of the agents/subjects (analyzed by Foucault) and the social structure in which they are located (analyzed by Bourdieu), thus being unable to accurately represent the overall social complexity.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: For instance, if cosmogenesis is a self-referential process having nothing external to itself from which to obtain gain or satisfaction, we may analogously interpret our non-instrumentalizing contemplative experiences in complete attentiveness without regard to external payoffs as the fractal play of its creatively emergent self-delighting anthropocosmic self-awareness in the human dimensionality as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The implicate or quantum connectivity of the coevolving phenomena of the cosmos, the ontohermeneutic complementarity relations between ourselves and the vast and minute systems we coconstitutingly participate, observe, prolong, and contextualize, and the eco-reciprocities among all forms of life afford us an understanding of ourselves as fractal or microcosmic embodiments and performances of what is irreducibly nondual anthropo-cosmogenesis. And if cosmogenesis is a self-referential process having nothing external to itself from which to obtain gain or satisfaction, we may analogously interpret our noninstrumentalizing contemplative experiences in complete attentiveness without regard to external payoffs as the fractal play of its creatively emergent self-delighting anthropocosmic self-awareness in the human dimensionality. Our attentive, noninstrumentalizing, and nonobjectifying contemplativity aconceptually presences connectivity and reciprocity in an aperspectivally transparent enactment of anthropocos...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The complex relationship between history, evolution, and creativity is approached from a plurality of perspectives in this paper, with a specific focus on the importance of diversity in the context of social organization.
Abstract: The complex relationship between history, evolution, and creativity is approached from a plurality of perspectives. Creative and totalitarian approaches to social organization are compared, with a specific focus on the importance of diversity.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The origins and manifestations of creativity are viewed from a complexity-based evolutionary perspective as mentioned in this paper, and the development of complexity, myths of creativity, and the nature of organization are discussed.
Abstract: The origins and manifestations of creativity are viewed from a complexity-based evolutionary perspective. The development of complexity, myths of creativity, and the nature of organization are discussed, as is the nature of creative insight.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a return to Aristotle shows the importance of good habits, good practices, and the unity of the several virtues in business ethics and corporate social responsibility and the example of Winston Churchill is used to illustrate virtue based leadership.
Abstract: Drawing on Alasdair MacIntyre's book, After Virtue, we criticize current approaches to business ethics and corporate social responsibility. Both Kantian approaches that stress the importance of good intentions, and utilitarian approaches that stress the importance of good results come under MacIntyre's critique, as do Moore's ethical intuitionism and Stevenson's emotivism. In their place, a return to Aristotle shows us the importance of good habits, good practices, and the unity of the several virtues. The example of Winston Churchill is used to illustrate virtue-based leadership.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the outlines of the future and present can be made visible and comprehensible by applying a new methodology for cognition of regularities in the human community development, which made it possible to define that there have been and are only two paradigms of the human system development in the entire multicentury course of community development.
Abstract: This article substantiates the thesis that the outlines of the future and present can be made visible and comprehensible by applying a new methodology for cognition of regularities in the human community development This methodology made it possible to define that there have been and are only two paradigms of the human system development in the entire multicentury course of the human community development Cycles, crises, chaos, and all negative phenomena are nothing else but natural products of the second, indirect paradigm of development The new model of life organization at each local level is at the same time the former, first development paradigm, based on the direct interconnection between production and consumption of specific human beings, but raised onto the new high-tech level Practical realization of this model is the only feasible precondition for the transition to sustainable and crisis-free development

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the importance of having a scenario mind, the philosophy underlying scenario planning, and discuss the need to have knowledge of the world and the environment around us.
Abstract: In the face of increasing uncertainty and changes, corporations must dynamically examine their business environment and activate the knowledge creation process in a future-oriented manner without getting hung up on analyzing their past (much like driving a car using only the rear-view mirror). In the previous article, we discussed the basics of scenario planning. We should not use this tool as a mere technique. Our knowledge of the world and the environment around us is important because it underlies our scenarios. When we look toward the future in an uncertain environment, we necessarily create knowledge proactively. Scenario planning and knowledge creation are commonplace when working on knowledge of innovations that shape the future. In this article we focus on the importance of having “scenario mind,” the philosophy underlying scenario planning. With any managerial tool, you cannot create real knowledge if you use only superficial know-how, like procedures described in manuals, to seek quick results. ...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors illustrate Claudio Naranjo's approach to meditation from the point of view of modern cognitive neuroscience and psychology by describing the main forms of meditation and the psychological and neurobiological effects of mindfulness meditation.
Abstract: This contribution aims to illustrate Claudio Naranjo's approach to meditation from the point of view of modern cognitive neuroscience and psychology. After a short historical introduction on meditation, we briefly describe the main forms of meditation and the psychological and neurobiological effects of mindfulness meditation. The contribution continues with a description of the characteristics of meditation in pairs and with music and with a discussion of the relationship between meditation and personality, within and beyond the psychology of the enneagram. Claudio Naranjo's ideas about the role of meditation in personal growth are also discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors draw on the Sartrean ontology of the human being as temporal ecstasis to explain the transcultural phenomenon of hybridity as heterochrony, and in particular how hybrid temporality is out of sync with local temporality.
Abstract: In his essay “Of Other Spaces” Michel Foucault explained that heterotopias, or spaces of otherness, “function at full capacity when men arrive at a sort of absolute break with their traditional time.” This temporal otherness he described as “heterochrony.” In this article I will draw on the Sartrean ontology of the human being as temporal ecstasis to explain the transcultural phenomenon of hybridity as heterochrony, and in particular, how hybrid temporality is out of sync with local temporality. Heeding Virinder Kalra, Raminder Kaur, and John Hutnyk's admonishment that “hybridity is better conceived of as a process rather than a description,” I will attempt to explicate the multiple processes of hybrid becomings I witnessed as an academic migrant in Cambodia, Hawaii, and Nigeria, and as a member of a hybrid subculture in Singapore.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors pull together the work of three authors from Japan and the United States, coagulating a collaboration that extends more than a decade, and show that while Ogilvy is the main wordsmith in English, he...
Abstract: This issue pulls together the work of three authors from Japan and the United States, coagulating a collaboration that extends more than a decade. While Ogilvy is the main wordsmith in English, he ...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Creativity is not viewed as an object of study nor as a separate disciplinary domain, nor even as a univocal mode of action: it is rather a vision of creativity as a relationship, or better as a relational network, and as the possibility to establish an unexpected and atypical link among areas of knowledge, through dynamic and temporally changing connection.
Abstract: Creativity is not viewed as an object of study, nor as a separate disciplinary domain, nor even as a univocal mode of action: it is rather a vision of creativity as a relationship, or better as a relational network, and as the possibility to establish an unexpected and atypical link among areas of knowledge, through dynamic and temporally changing connection. The importance of a new epistemological perspective is introduced.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The image of the bricolage or tinkering, was first used by evolutionary theorist Francois Jacob (1970) as mentioned in this paper, who stated that the bricoleur is competent but not omnipotent.
Abstract: The image of the bricolage or tinkering, was first used by evolutionary theorist Francois Jacob (1970). The bricoleur is competent but not omnipotent, as Jacob stated, and constructs or creates a w...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The core properties of genetic evolution are identified with the intention of providing a unified definition of evolving systems that applies unequivocally in the natural and social sciences.
Abstract: Here we identify the core properties of genetic evolution with the intention of providing a unified definition of evolving systems that applies unequivocally in the natural and social sciences. Our definition is: evolution sustains organized systems through high fidelity replication of information. This definition can be broken down into five essential components: (1) high fidelity replication of information with 0% < survival rate < 100%; (2) expendable replication technology distinct from the replication information; (3) inert information that provides no kinetic energy to the replication process; (4) demonstrates a quantifiable resistance to entropy; (5) demonstrates intentionality.