:

a listing of key terms used throughout the dissertation

a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | i | j | k | l | m | n | o | p | q | r | s | t | u | v | w | x | y | z | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Click one of the letters above to advance the page to terms beginning with that letter.

actionsearch for term: Detailed definition of action
agencysearch for term: (contested) capacity to act with intention; capacity of a system to surprise observers (Fuchs 2001) See also: autonomy
Detailed definition of agency
autonomysearch for term: from the Greek for self (auto) and law (nomos); self-governing; having the capacity and ability to make ones own decisions; contested definition [Although it is perhaps not the meaning of the term itself that is consested, but the meaning-in-practice. For example, can a person's decision ever be completely free from coercion since we are biological and social creatures?] See also: agency
Detailed definition of autonomy
autopoiesis, autopoietic systemsearch for term: [from Maturana and Varela]Autonomous, self-producing systems with self-defined boundaries. Cells and organisms are examples. As self-producing systems they contain all the organizational information necessary for their own development and continuation. However, they depend on structural inputs. The systems tend to be homeostatic, have finite trajectories, are relatively predictable and rely on transmitted self-organization. See also: poiesis Synonyms: autopoietic systems, autopoiesis
Detailed definition of autopoiesis, autopoietic system

b
begging the questionsearch for term: logical fallacy in which the conclusion is actually one of the premises (similar to circular reasoning); used colloquially to mean 'raising the question'
boundary, boundariessearch for term: a conceptual demarkation that separates system from environment or one entity/phenomenon from another Synonyms: boundary, boundaries
Detailed definition of boundary, boundaries

c
cause, causalitysearch for term: [contested] factor(s) that lead to other factor(s); the link between these.
"...causality is mutual, mobile, complex, dependent..." (Oyama 2000: 134)
See also: future causality Synonyms: cause, causality
Detailed definition of cause, causality
chaos, chaoticsearch for term: common: a state of disorder, confusion; chaos theory: a state that appears disordered but that arises from determined pattern Synonyms: chaos, chaotic
Detailed definition of chaos, chaotic
citizen, citizenship, citizen subjectsearch for term: Detailed definition of citizen, citizenship, citizen subject
civics, civil society, civil disobediencesearch for term: Detailed definition of civics, civil society, civil disobedience
complexitysearch for term: more than complicated
Detailed definition of complexity
consensussearch for term
contextsearch for term
controlsearch for term
cooperation, cooperativesearch for term
critical theorysearch for term: Detailed definition of critical theory

d
deluze, deluzian, deluze and guattarisearch for term: Detailed definition of deluze, deluzian, deluze and guattari
democracysearch for term: [contested] a form of governance in which the people hold power
Detailed definition of democracy
deontology, deontologicalsearch for term
dialogue, dialogicsearch for term: Detailed definition of dialogue, dialogic
discoursesearch for term
dissensussearch for term: Detailed definition of dissensus
dissipative structuresearch for term
diversitysearch for term: Detailed definition of diversity
dualism, dualistic, dualitysearch for term: Detailed definition of dualism, dualistic, duality

e
ecological integritysearch for term
ecosystem approach(es)search for term
emergent, emergencesearch for term: [contested]Emergent characteristics, properties, or systems arise unexpectedly from complex interactions among components and their relations. With respect to systems, the term refers to 'wholes that are greater than the sum of their parts.' They cannot be predicted by understanding the characteristics or properties of the components, but require knowledge of the whole system in order to be understood. Synonyms: emergence, emergent
Detailed definition of emergent, emergence
episteme, epistemic communitysearch for term
epistemologysearch for term: Detailed definition of epistemology
equilibrium,search for term
equity, equitablesearch for term: Detailed definition of equity, equitable
ethicssearch for term: system of values and principles - held explicitly or implicitly - guiding/governing appropriate actions/responses towards others
Detailed definition of ethics
evolutionsearch for term: change over time; specifically related to Darwin's theory of gradual change of species through 'natural selection'
Detailed definition of evolution

b
--biological evolutionsearch for term: f
family resemblance categorysearch for term: [from Wittgenstein] a group of phenomena/entities that can only be loosely defined by a set of common characteristics rather with a tight inclusive definition
Detailed definition of family resemblance category
feedbacksearch for term: a system output that feeds-back into the system as input. Positive feedback has an amplifying effect on future output; negative feedback has a moderating effect. Synonyms: feedbacks, feedback,
formsearch for term: Detailed definition of form
foucault, foucauldiansearch for term: of, or arising from, the work of Michel Foucault
Detailed definition of foucault, foucauldian
future causalitysearch for term: refers to the potential causal behaviour of a system that can preconceive its future self and alter current circumstances to direct toward its preconception. The term is taken from Campbell (1985).
See also: cause, causality
future generationssearch for term: g
global-local interactionssearch for term: Global-local interactions are key self-organizing factors that, through their counteracting effects, create pattern. Global refers to influences that impose a coherent direction on all components/entities. They are often long-range and unrecognized, but are not necessary influences that occur on a planetary scale. Local refers to blockages or constraints that interrupt or impede the components/entities influenced by global directions.
Detailed definition of global-local interactions
governancesearch for term
governmentalitysearch for term: [from Foucault] a form of activity designed to shape, affect, or change the conduct of a person or persons, in both a wide and narrow sense See also: technologies of the self
Detailed definition of governmentality

h
habit, habitualsearch for term: Detailed definition of habit, habitual
healthy communitysearch for term: Detailed definition of healthy community
hermeneuticssearch for term
heuristic(s)search for term: devices, lenses, and/or tools that aid understanding by indicating or pointing out aspects or characteristics of the world Synonyms: heuristics, heuristic
Detailed definition of heuristic(s)
hierarchy, holarchysearch for term
holistic, holismsearch for term
hypertextsearch for term: a form of text that is interspersed with links that allow movement in non-linear directions; most common occurrence is across the World Wide Web
Detailed definition of hypertext

i
identitysearch for term
imaginationsearch for term: What makes our practical life really human is a third level of the mind, a level where consciousness and practical skill come together. This third level is a vision or model in your mind of wht you want to construct...
So we begin to see where the imagination belongs in the scheme of human affairs. It's the power of constructing possible models of human experience. In the world of the imagination, anything goes that's imaginatively possible, but nothing really happens. If it did happen it would move out of the world of imagination into the world of action. Northrop Frye (1963: 5-6)
incremental planningsearch for term
informationsearch for term: "a difference that makes a difference" (Bateson)
Detailed definition of information
instrumental rationalitysearch for term
interdisciplinarysearch for term
interpellation, interpellated subjectsearch for term: from Althusser Synonyms: interpellated subject, interpellation, interpellated subject.
Detailed definition of interpellation, interpellated subject
intuition, intellectual intuitionsearch for term
irony, ironicsearch for term: j
justificationsearch for term: k
knowledgesearch for term: 'justified beliefs'; ideas, theories, experiences, observations held by an individual or shared among a community as more than unsubstantiated claims
Detailed definition of knowledge

l
learningsearch for term: Detailed definition of learning

m
meaningsearch for term
mechanicalsearch for term
metaphorsearch for term
methodsearch for term: Detailed definition of method
methodologysearch for term: Detailed definition of methodology
model, modelingsearch for term: representation
Detailed definition of model, modeling
--modeling relationsearch for term: from Rosen (1985,^ref 1996, 2000): describes association between our percepts and concepts, between natural systems and formal systems; emphasizes onto-epistemological conundrums
Detailed definition of modeling relation
modernitysearch for term
morals, moralitysearch for term: Detailed definition of morals, morality
morphing, morphologysearch for term: n
naive realismsearch for term
neutralitysearch for term
normssearch for term: Detailed definition of norms

o
objectificationsearch for term: the process of turning an entity/person/subject into an object
objectivity in parenthesissearch for term
objectivitysearch for term: [contested] the state of an observer who is free of bias
Detailed definition of objectivity
observer, observationsearch for term: Detailed definition of observer, observation
ontologysearch for term
ordersearch for term
organizationsearch for term: Synonyms: organization,
organizational closuresearch for term: [from Maturana and Varela]The degree of self-containment a system has with respect to its pattern of organization. A system can be organizationally closed, open or ajar. A system which organizes the relations among its components in such a manner as to ensure the continuation of its own organization is organizationally closed. A system which relies completely on external sources for determining its pattern of organization is organizationally open. One which relies on external sources, yet restricts these inputs in a self-determined manner, is organizationally ajar. In a general sense, the term refers to the informational aspect of systems. The term and concept of organizational closure originate with Maturana and Varela (e.g. 1980). However, the term organizationally ajar originates with Dempster (1995).
p
paradigmsearch for term: typically used in reference to a basic set of beliefs that guide action. The term originated[was popularized??] with Kuhn (1970). The considerable variety in meaning could be a result of his ambiguous use of the term.
paradoxsearch for term
participatory planningsearch for term: A variety of approaches to planning that emphasize inclusion, into the planning process, of actors relevant to the planning situation. May include transactive, advocacy, equity, collaborative and communicatie planning, as well as other approaches.
pattern of organizationsearch for term: [from Capra; Maturana and Varela] the set of relations among components that define a system as a specific type of system. The phrase is synonymous with Maturana and Varela's (e.g. 1980) term "organization." I find the latter to be confusing when transferring the concept into social systems, and consequently follow Capra (1996)^ref in using pattern of organization. See structure and organizational closure. See also: structure
perspectivessearch for term: Detailed definition of perspectives
phronesissearch for term: Greek for practical wisdom Synonyms: phronetic
Detailed definition of phronesis
planningsearch for term: the process that mediates among past, present and future
Detailed definition of planning
pluralism, pluralitysearch for term
poiesissearch for term: 'self'-producing; relevant to autopoietic and sympoietic systems See also: autopoiesis, autopoietic system, self-producing, structure Synonyms: poiesis., poiesis,, poietic., poietic,
Detailed definition of poiesis
poly-ocularsearch for term
positivism, potivistsearch for term
post normal sciencesearch for term: [from Funtowicz and Ravetz] an approach to problem-solving that recognizes the value laden context and inherent uncertainty of science, emphasizing the need for quality assurance and expansion of the peer community
Detailed definition of post normal science
post-positivism, post-positivistsearch for term: Detailed definition of post-positivism, post-positivist
postmodernsearch for term: Detailed definition of postmodern
powersearch for term: Detailed definition of power
praxissearch for term: action; the nexus of practice and theory
Detailed definition of praxis
precautionary principle, precautionary approachsearch for term
psychesearch for term: r
radicalsearch for term
rational comprehensive planningsearch for term: A step-wise planning procedure, which has tended to predominate, especially in the specific orm of an expert-driven problem solving approach.
Detailed definition of rational comprehensive planning
rational, rationalitysearch for term
realism, realistsearch for term: Detailed definition of realism, realist
realitysearch for term
reasonsearch for term: Detailed definition of reason
recursion, recursivitysearch for term
reductionistsearch for term
reflexive, reflexivitysearch for term
researchsearch for term: the act of finding things out
Detailed definition of research
rhizome, rhizomaticsearch for term: interconnected and network like; having the character of rhizomes; not hierarchical or dendritic See also: tree, trees Synonyms: rhizome, rhizomatic
Detailed definition of rhizome, rhizomatic
rigoursearch for term: Detailed definition of rigour

s
sciencesearch for term: Detailed definition of science
selfsearch for term: Detailed definition of self
self-in-processsearch for term: [from Kristeva]
self-organizing, self-organizationsearch for term: various process in which a system/entity appears to organize itself Synonyms: self-organizing, self-organization
Detailed definition of self-organizing, self-organization
self-producingsearch for term: process in which a system/entity appears to produce itself See also: poiesis
Detailed definition of self-producing
self-referencesearch for term
serendipity, serendipitoussearch for term: finding unexpected treasures; making pleasant discoveries by accident; the faculty or aptitude for doing so. Synonyms: serendipitous, serendipity
Detailed definition of serendipity, serendipitous
similacrum, simulacrasearch for term
skeptic, skepticismsearch for term: "Succinctly stated, a skeptic is one who is willing to question any claim to truth, asking for clarity in definition, consistency in logic and adequacy of evidence. The use of skepticism is thus an essential part of objective scientific inquiry and the search for reliable knowledge" (Kurtz 2001: 39).
Detailed definition of skeptic, skepticism
structural couplingsearch for term: connection between a system and its environment or between entities that arises in the structural domain in which they exist See also: structure
Detailed definition of structural coupling
structuresearch for term: in discussion of poietic systems refers to the actual relations and components that constitute a specific system in a specific domain, for example the physical domain. (Compare to pattern of organization). See also: pattern of organization, poiesis, structural coupling
Detailed definition of structure
subjectivitysearch for term
sustainabilitysearch for term: the capacity to maintain whatever it is that sustains us
Detailed definition of sustainability
sustainable developmentsearch for term
sympoiesis, sympoietic systemssearch for term: [from Dempster] complex, boundaryless, collectively-producing systems Synonyms: sympoietic systems, sympoiesis,, sympoietic systems., sympoiesis., sympoietic systems,, sympoiesis
Detailed definition of sympoiesis, sympoietic systems
systemsearch for term: [various meanings] In the most general sense, Weinberg (1975:^ref 52) states: "A system is a way of looking at the world." Variations arise from different "ways of looking." Systems are typically defined as a set of components and their relations that describe some sense of whole. I place a different emphasis, defining a system as a set of relations that carries some sense of connectedness. Synonyms: systems
Detailed definition of system

t
technologies of the selfsearch for term: [from Foucault] self-imposed rituals, rationalizations that support/coach conformity with cultural norms See also: governmentality
Detailed definition of technologies of the self
telossearch for term
theorysearch for term: an interrelated set of concepts that have explanatory ('soft' theory) or predictive ('hard' theory) capacity Synonyms: 'theory', theory', theory.
Detailed definition of theory
timesearch for term: Detailed definition of time
tree, treessearch for term: [various] tall woody-stemmed plant with branches and leaves arranged in diverse forms; hierarchical or dichotomous list See also: rhizome, rhizomatic
Detailed definition of tree, trees
truthsearch for term: belief
u
uncertaintysearch for term: Detailed definition of uncertainty
understandingsearch for term: v
validitysearch for term
valuesearch for term
voicesearch for term: w
wikissearch for term: repository of collaborative online writing and editing; wikipedia as the classic example
Detailed definition of wikis
wildnesssearch for term

sympoiesis.net

my in-process dissertation: queries and heuristics on sustaining praxis

beth dempster 2003 - 2007
School of Planning
University of Waterloo
Ontario, Canada

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Different people use the term 'self-organization' in somewhat different ways…

— Salthe (1989: 201)