Questions -
1. Is reductionist thinking still as prevalent as discussed in the class? If it is so dysfunctional, why is it still used so pervasively? What is keeping it going?
2. If systems thinking is such a great idea, why has it had so little influence in executive development thinking? What's the problem with adopting it?
3. Can we think of examples where systems thinking has been rigorously applied in the study of human systems?
4. Is the use of these two styles of thinking also a 'both-and' situation? Can they supplement each other and if so, under what conditions?
5. Would different styles of systems thinking work better with different kinds of systems? If so, which ones?
6. What is likely to prevent or constrain emergence?
7. Can we think of examples of emergence in development cooperation?
8. Do the current tools and frameworks tell us much about emergence or how to facilitate it? Can we tell if a system has a basic structure and identity that supports the emergence of capacity?
9. If emergence is such an noteworthy concept, is it open to empirical validation? Can we monitor something such as emergence?
10. Are there effective ways of mapping systems that can show the complexity?
11. Is mapping a huge system a feasible exercise?
12. The more people try to think systemically and globally, the more they come across the mysteries of complexity. What can be done about that?
13. What can be done to make a system see itself? To be more self-aware? Or to use a phrase, can we recognize the dance while we are dancing?
14. What if a system were committed to doing this? What would it do to the nature of the relationships?
15. If people can no longer grasp the dynamics of the systems they are part of, what are the implications?