Wednesday 6 April 2011

Washor & Mojkowski - "We define ourselves, therefore, not by our algorithms but rather by the mysteries we embrace and the heuristics we create to navigate those mysteries." - Pow!

In an article on how to make learning work this two consultants include this amazing sentence; "

'We define ourselves, therefore, not by our algorithms but rather by the mysteries we embrace and the heuristics we create to navigate those mysteries.'

The section of their article from which the sentence comes is below:

Non-Linear Thinking

Working the knowledge funnel isn't easy. The overall linearity of the process hides a lot of not-so-linear thinking and doing, particularly at the intersection of heuristics and algorithms. The order and structure in the process become apparent only after one has worked through to algorithms and code.

The Learning Funnel

Navigating the funnel is part of evolution, particularly of the cultural variety. Human evolution has given us ways of developing day-to-day heuristics for coping with uncertainties and mysteries as we make our way in the world. It has also given us ways of learning through rigorous honing and practicing of the things we enjoy doing. Using our heads, hands, and hearts, we Homo sapiens are hardwired to think and to act our way around and through problems. In every profession, from carpenters and artisans, to scientists, architects, mechanics, and doctors, the highly skilled continually invent algorithms to free up their time and energy so that they can investigate even more mysteries and challenges about their craft and develop strategies for solving them. As Bronowski observed, "The most powerful drive in the ascent of man is his pleasure in his own skill. He loves to do what he does well, and having done it well, he loves to do it better."

We define ourselves, therefore, not by our algorithms but rather by the mysteries we embrace and the heuristics we create to navigate those mysteries. By creating a path through the knowledge funnel, we establish our stance, discovering who we are and developing our sense of mission and agency -- our way of impacting the world as we navigate our way through it.


If they have already done so I would like to integrate within their viewpoint two areas of human reality - PCP Personal Construct Psychology and the universal experience of mystery as in all of the great wisdom traditions.  (Now on my long 'to do' list)

Click HERE to read this great article and Edutopia blog

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