[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Meta Rational Ways of Knowing

## Details

**Authors** Rajagopalan R

**Year** 2023

**Publisher** Journal of Systems Thinking 3(1):1-16

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Philosophy

**Reading level** technical

**Kind of engagement** scholarly

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.0000031) 
10.54120/jost.0000031

## In authors' words

### Abstract

Current approaches to systems thinking, despite evolving over time, remain entrenched in rational analysis. Stemming from unquestioned roots in Western philosophy and axioms of classical science, systems thinkers have omitted entire ways of knowing practised across human cultures globally over many centuries. Systemists have not developed a foundational philosophy of adequate sophistication to concisely articulate the systemic worldview and its approach to knowledge and action. Contradictions exist between espoused systems concepts and methods and practices. Action Research, a closely allied discipline, as well as several approaches to inquiry in cultures outside the modern West, have evolved with more sophistication. These approaches include ways of knowing beyond the rational-analytic, which can be termed as meta-rational. A useful start to mitigate this gap in systems thinking and reinstate a wider epistemology is found in the Four Ways of Knowing framework, incubated in a contemporary Action Research practice. Early researchers with a traditional Asian pedagogy in sculpture and a corporate renewal case application reveal the advantages of this framework. Meta-rational knowing is useful in tackling marginalisation in contexts of underdevelopment. Incorporating meta-rational ways of knowing supports the future development of a transmodern systems thinking.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

A chapter arguing that systems thinking remains entrenched in rational analysis, omitting ways of knowing practiced across human cultures over many centuries.

### What they found (results)

The Four Ways of Knowing framework, incubated in Action Research practice, reinstates a wider epistemology; meta-rational knowing helps tackle marginalization and supports a transmodern systems thinking.

## Commentary

### In short

Argues that systems thinking is still bound to rational analysis and needs ways of knowing drawn from other cultures and from action research.

### Response

Published in the Handbook of Systems Thinking (Cabrera, Cabrera & Midgley, eds., 2023), a volume built on the premise that systems thinking now has a universal theory—DSRP-484. Its contents were selected on that basis by its editorial team in concert with a team of advisors.

**Patterns it shows** P

## Refers to

- [Handbook of Systems Thinking](https://dsrpevidence.org/element/382)

**How to cite this** Rajagopalan R (2023). Meta Rational Ways of Knowing. Journal of Systems Thinking 3(1):1-16.