Knowing Differently in Systemic Intervention

Abstract

This paper makes the case for extended ways of knowing in systemic intervention. It argues that the deployment of formal (even reflective) thinking and dialogic methods are inadequate to the two critical tasks of comprehending larger wholes, and appreciating others’ viewpoints. Theory and techniques need to go further and access other forms of knowing, held in experiential, practical or symbolic ways. This could offer a better basis to incorporate marginalized people and things that are affected by the intervention but do not have a voice, such as ecosystems and future generations.