Exploring Systems Thinking Through the Lens of Yin-Yang: Can We Ever Not Use It? (Pre-conference Full-Day 9h Workshop)

For over six decades, the International Society for Systems Sciences (ISSS) has championed the cause of systems theory, striving to deepen our understanding and application across various fields. As practitioners and advocates, we carry the responsibility of sharing the transformative power of systems thinking and addressing the limitations of reductionist approaches. In our interconnected lives, from family dynamics to workplace challenges, systems thinking has proven to be an invaluable tool in resolving complex issues. This workshop invites you to join us in a practical exploration, where we will apply systems theory to analyze our very conference venue. Through this engaging exercise, we aim to provoke thought on a critical question: Is it possible to entirely avoid systems thinking? As we dissect the complexities of our surroundings, we’ll explore core concepts such as the dynamic interplay of the Taichi (the supreme ultimate) and the Wu Xing (the five elements), alongside the principles of Open Systems Theory. Our analysis will delve into the Yin-Yang composition, the elemental cycle of Wood-Fire-Earth-Metal-Water, and the Heaven-Earth-Human trinity. We will also examine the three-spectrum differential diagnosis-cure process, which includes the spectrums of Superficial-Internal, Cold-Hot, and Deficient-Excess. Can we truly step outside the box of these foundational theories, or are we invariably drawn to incorporate them into our analysis? This workshop is designed for both beginners and seasoned systems thinkers and scientists. Join us to explore whether our solutions require a systemic or a reductionist approach. Together, let’s think systemically, challenge our perspectives, and possibly, rethink the way we view the world around us.