Evolutionary Learning

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Schriebman & Christakis (2008) detailed the architecture of structured design dialogue, touting it as a necessary precursor to the envisioned Technology of Democracy. While the architecture is comprised of 31 components, of significant interest is the six dialogue laws:
1. Diversity of Perspectives
2. Disciplined Dialogue
3. Comparison of Observer and Group Ideas
4. Meaning and Wisdom
5. Autonomy and Authenticity
6. Evolutionary Learning

Schriebman & Christakis (2008) stated that evolutionary learning occurs, within a dialogue, when the observers understand how their individual ideas are related (p. 27). This intuitive observation is more apt to be realized when disciplined dialogue is part of the process. Personal biases, knowledge, and lack of knowledge can impede on the evolutionary learning process. In addition, two external forces can impact this process:

1. Global. For learning to be evolutionary, there must be a global perspective. New ideas are often formed when components are incorporated from beyond the local space. We must look beyond our local space to form evolutionary ideas. Thinking globally helps us envision what impacts and influences our ideas have on the global community and, conversely, what impacts and influences the global community might have on our ideas.

2. Social. Personal behaviors and ideas are often influenced by social norms, relationships, and beliefs. These social aspects help guide how we think and how we behave. This directly impacts our ideas and our willingness to expose them to others.

Case Study

Wireless electricity is a future innovation that can benefit from the concept of evolutionary learning. To thoroughly examine the technological aspects of the innovation, a cross-section of personnel will spend several mutil-hour sessions in a think tank. The six dialogue laws will be observed so that evolutionary learning can take place. Through this process, the think tank members are more likely to produce results necessary to move wireless electricity from concept to future reality.

References:

Schriebman, V., & Christakis, A. N. (2008). New agora: New geometry of languaging and new technology of democracy. Updated version 2008. Journal of Applied Systemic Studies, 1, 1, 15-31

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