Reflections on recursion and the evolution of learning
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the significance of recursive processes in the evolution of learning in both individuals and organisations, beginning with a clarification of the distinction between recursion and other types of feedback, drawing on insights from Humberto Maturana and George Richardson.
Design/methodology/approach
Further work informing this inquiry includes Gregory Bateson on learning levels, Chris Argyris and Donald Schon on double loop learning, Peter Senge on organizational learning, and James G. Miller on the processing of matter/energy and information in living systems, at different levels of organization.
Findings
The paper provides an original synthesis of insights from Miller's living systems theory, in exploring the implications of Bateson's learning levels, as well as further insights from the work of Argyris, Schon and Senge, at cellular, individual, organisational, and global levels, to reinforce the need for a higher order, global level of learning.
Originality/value
Value in findings outlined above.
Keywords
Citation
R. Hammond, D. (2013), "Reflections on recursion and the evolution of learning", Kybernetes, Vol. 42 No. 9/10, pp. 1396-1403. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-11-2012-0103
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited