Performing Complexity: Building Foundations for the Practice of Complex Thinking

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xvii

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2. Introduction: Thinking Complexity

   • Ana Teixeira de Melo

   Pages 1-11

3. A Relational Framework for Complexity and Complex Thinking

   • Ana Teixeira de Melo

   Pages 13-32

4. Complex Thinking as the Complexity of the Coupling Observer—World: Processes and Outcomes

   • Ana Teixeira de Melo

   Pages 33-48

5. An Operational Framework for Complex Thinking

   • Ana Teixeira de Melo

   Pages 49-63

6. Discussion: From Thinking to Performing Complexity

   • Ana Teixeira de Melo

   Pages 65-68

7. Back Matter

   Pages 69-69

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In the face of growing challenges, we need modes of thinking that allow us to not only grasp complexity but also perform it. In this book, the author approaches complexity from the standpoint of a relational worldview. The author recasts complex thinking as a mode of coupling between an observer and the world. Further, she explores the process and outcome of that coupling, namely, meaningful information that may have transformative effects and impact the management of change in the ‘real world’. The author presents a new framework for operationalising complex thinking in a set of dimensions and properties through which it may be enacted. This framework may inform the development and coordination of new tools and strategies to support the practice and evaluation of complex thinking across a variety of domains. Intended for a wide interdisciplinary audience of academics, practitioners and policymakers alike, the book is an invitation to pursue inter- and transdisciplinary dialogues and collaborations. 

• Complex Thinking
• Complexity
• Process
• Change
• Complex Challenges
• Relational
• Worldview
• Systems
• Modes of Thinking
• Abductive Thinking

• Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

  Ana Teixeira de Melo

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