Navigating the complexity of multiple knowledges: cybernetics as inspiration and method

An important part of effectively navigating complexity requires skill in bringing together a variety of perspectives and knowledges related to a system of interest.

However, conflict linked to perceived 'incommensurability' of perspectives is also common in such situations, leading to calls for greater research on 'meta' methodologies to bring together disparate knowledges.

This presentation outlines recent collaborative ANU research work under a Defence Science and Technology Group, Australian Department of Defence, Philosophy of Operational Research grant to derive principles for participatory process design based on cybernetic and transdisciplinary case studies, as well as reflections on their application in the development of a workshop for supporting Australian Government engagement in Oceania.

About the speaker

Professor Katherine Daniell is a transdisciplinary academic at the ANU's School of Cybernetics, Fenner School of Environment and Society, and Institute for Water Futures.

Trained in engineering, arts and public policy, her work bridges multiple domains including multi-level governance, cybernetics, participatory processes, river basin management, politics and cultures of innovation, education, and international science and technology cooperation.

Katherine is a John Monash Scholar and convened the innovative ANU Master of Applied Cybernetics from 2019-22. She currently serves in multiple national and international roles, including as President of the French-Australian Association for Research and Innovation. In 2022, she received the insignia of French Chevalier (Knight) in the Ordre National du Mérite.

COVID protocols

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This seminar presentation will be in-person only.

Image credit: abstract image of human tweaking cogs in brain cavity from Max Pixel (free to use under CC0 Public Domain license.