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Aesthetic Knowing, “Designerly” Thinking and Scenario Analysis

A Framework of Inquiry for Social Innovation

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Handbook of Philosophy of Management

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Abstract

In this chapter, I outline a framework for collaborative inquiry to address complex and ambiguous problems with broad social, economic, and ecological impacts. This draws upon principles of aesthetic knowing, “designerly” thinking, and the application of scenario analysis. The philosophical foundation that underpins the framework is grounded in Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, specifically his “intellectual virtue” of phronēsis, or “practical wisdom” – thinking to inform action for the “good of man” (sic), with specific concern for issues of power. It is acknowledged that application will likely lead into initial divergent rather than convergent thinking. However, there is a deliberate intent to maintain and value difference in search of the most appropriate option for resolution of the problem.

Note: This chapter is based upon a paper presented at the International Social Innovation Research Conference, Glasgow, 2016, and awarded Best Paper.

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Correspondence to George Cairns .

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Cairns, G. (2018). Aesthetic Knowing, “Designerly” Thinking and Scenario Analysis. In: Neesham, C., Segal, S. (eds) Handbook of Philosophy of Management. Handbooks in Philosophy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48352-8_1-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48352-8_1-2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-48352-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-48352-8

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Chapter history

  1. Latest

    Aesthetic Knowing, “Designerly” Thinking and Scenario Analysis
    Published:
    27 August 2018

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48352-8_1-2

  2. Original

    Aesthetic Knowing, “Designerly” Thinking and Scenario Analysis
    Published:
    25 October 2017

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48352-8_1-1