The rigidity of dialectical thinking
|
|
Roll over Aristotle | Aristotle started a classification system which, with modifications, is still with us today in the form of a taxonomy based on discriminating between body parts. All life is thus divided into kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species.
This form of taxonomy has served a useful function for so long that we fall into the trap of thinking that it is the only way of ‘seeing’ things. |
|
|
Taxonomy based on dialectics | ![]() ![]() |
|
|
A forgotten taxonomy | T’ai P’ing, AD 978 in Kuang Chi [Extensive Records Made in the Period of Peace and Prosperity], an ancient Chinese encyclopaedia, classified animals thus: |
|
|
Chinese taxonomy: |
|
|
|
Perspective | This classification causes us to smile because it is people-centred – it’s seen through the eyes and experiences of the observer, it’s eccentric, paradoxical, contradictory and represents emotional responses and values judgments. It’s not science: but it’s still legitimate.
It’s these perceptions and values which drive processes – it’s these perceptions and values that we must recognise when we facilitate or manage. |
|
|
Source of Chinese taxonomy | Langer, Ellen. 1988. Mindfulness: Choice and Control in Everyday Life. London: Harvill p 23 cites Borges, Jorges Luis. 1967. Libro de Los Seres Imaginarios. Buenos Aires: Editorial Kiersa S A, Fauna China. p 88 |