Rescuing the Enlightenment from Itself: Critical and Systemic Implications for Democracy presents papers that make the case that good governance is about thinking and practice that can lead to a better balance of social, cultural, political, economic and environmental concerns to ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and for future generations. The work is inspired by the thinking of C. West Churchman and forms the first volume in a new series: C. West Churchman’s Legacy and Related Works. The book features contributions from a range of invited authors including Russell L. Ackoff, Ken Bausch, John van Gigch and Norma Romm. The volume is aimed at academics, post-graduate students and members of professional associations working in the fields of systems sciences, public policy and management, politics, and international relations.
Preface to a New Books Series: C.West Churchman Legacy and Related Works, John van Gigch and Janet McIntyre.- Introduction to Volume 1: The Contribution of West Churchman to Sustainable Governance and International Relations, Janet McIntyre.- Recollections and Thoughts by his Colleague and a Newcomer to his Work: C West Churchman and The New World of Co-Design, Olov Forsgren.- Some Notes with Regard to 'Thought and Wisdom', Janette Young.- The Contribution of West Churchman to Doing Better Governance and International Relations: The Systems Approach and its Enemies Helps us Find the Morality of a Revised Democracy, John van Gigch.- Be Your Enemy, Ken Bausch.- The Social Significance of Churchman’s Epistemological Position: Implications for responsible conduct, Norma Romm.- Understanding Churchman’s Work through Practical Applications in the Public and Private Sectors to Enhance Social and Environmental Justice: A Retrospective Structural Inquiry of the Predicament of Humankind: Prospectus of the Club of Rome, Alexander N. Christakis.- Systemic IQ: Systemic intervention and problem appreciation, Ian Mitroff.- Information Systems Development as Inquiring Systems, Andrea Carugati.- Pragmatism Meets Systems Thinking: The legacy of C.West Churchman, David Mathews.- Churchman and Measurement, Timothy Ferris.- Justifying Knowledge Claims, Mike Metcalfe.- Bush Tucker, Conversation and Rich Pictures: Capacity recognition and entrepreneurship through systemic praxis with Neporendi Forum Inc., Janet McIntyre.- Addressing Indigenous Australian Social Exclusion: A strategic praxis approach to research and the provision of social services, Douglas Morgan.- An Exploration and Extension of Churchman’s Insights towards the Tackling of Racial Discrimination as a World Problem, Norma Romm.- Conclusion: Designing a Replacement for the UN, Russell L. Ackoff and Jamshid Gharajedaghi.- Rescuing the Enlightenment from Itself: Implications for re-Working democracy and internationalrelations, Janet McIntyre.
