The Next Next Common Sense
5. Holonic Theory and Identity Plurality
The text draws significantly on Arthur Koestler’s concept of “holons” - entities that are simultaneously wholes in themselves and parts of larger systems. The author applies this to individuals in organizations, arguing that people are not singular entities with fixed roles but multidimensional beings who simultaneously occupy multiple roles and identities. This philosophical stance rejects both pure individualism and com- plete collectivism, instead seeing people as existing at the intersection of multiple identities that cannot be reduced to any single role. The author argues for recognizing and respecting this multiplicity rather than forcing artificial synthesis or unification.
6. Pragmatism and Experiential Learning
The work shows strong influences from pragmatist philosophy, par- ticularly in its emphasis on learning through experience and action rather than abstract theory alone. The text frequently uses real-world exam- ples and stories to illustrate concepts, suggesting that understanding emerges through practical engagement rather than purely theoretical consideration. This pragmatic orientation extends to the author’s emphasis on pat- tern recognition from experience. The text suggests that experts differ from novices not just in what they know but in how they perceive patterns based on accumulated experience - a distinctly pragmatic view of knowl- edge as embodied capability rather than abstract information.
7. Post-Modern Perspectives on Organizational Structure
The text incorporates post-modern critiques of traditional organi- zational structures, questioning hierarchical models and advocating for networked approaches. The author explicitly mentions “postmodernism” when discussing the need to deconstruct and recombine elements in new
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