This article was downloaded by: [University of Ulster Library]On: 09 November 2014, At: 05:19Publisher: RoutledgeInforma Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH,UK

World Futures: The Journal ofNew Paradigm ResearchPublication details, including instructions forauthors and subscription information:http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/gwof20

DénouementLesley Kuhn aa University of Western Sydney , NSW , AustraliaPublished online: 14 Feb 2007.

To cite this article: Lesley Kuhn (2007) Dénouement, World Futures: The Journal ofNew Paradigm Research, 63:3-4, 298-299

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02604020601174976

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE

Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all theinformation (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform.However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make norepresentations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness,or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and viewsexpressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, andare not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of theContent should not be relied upon and should be independently verified withprimary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for anylosses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages,and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly orindirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of theContent.

This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes.Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan,sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is

expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found athttp://www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Uni

vers

ity o

f U

lste

r L

ibra

ry]

at 0

5:19

09

Nov

embe

r 20

14

World Futures, 63: 298–299, 2007

Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

ISSN 0260-4027 print / 1556-1844 online

DOI: 10.1080/02604020601174976

DENOUEMENT

LESLEY KUHNUniversity of Western Sydney, NSW, Australia

It may seem anachronistic and ironic to use the somewhat old fashioned andunfamiliar term denouement to describe the final words of this issue focussing oncomplexity as a contemporary, evolutionary approach to social inquiry. However,denouement may also be considered most appropriate referring as it does, to the“final untangling of the intricacies of a plot.” The argument of the articles inthis issue is that metaphors or images from complexity science can be utilizedto catalyze new and useful understanding of the complexities inherent in humanexistence.

Taking a thematic perspective on the styles of deploying a complexity approachthat are demonstrated in this issue, complexity science is depicted as:

� Catalytic in that it can be used to enable rather than control research processes,techniques, and insights. In chemistry, the term catalyst refers to a substancethat causes or accelerates a chemical reaction, without actually changing thenature of the reaction. Similarly, utilizing complexity in social inquiry canfoster elegance of inquiry methods and techniques as well as assist researchersin making links and developing new understandings.

� Philosophical in that it offers explanation for or about experience. Complex-ity in the ways engaged with in this issue, offers a paradigmatic frameworkimplicating epistemological, ontological, and axiological schema.

� Metaphoric, in that it is able to prevent researching detail from obstructing thecapacity of inquirers from seeing and making sense of “the big picture.” Also,treating complexity as offering metaphoric understanding allows the complexityof ”real life” to be engaged with authentically.

� Transcendent in that cognitively it can take people to ways of thinking andconcepts beyond the familiar, which then trigger understanding and insightbeyond everyday habits of thought.

The final untangling of the “plot” of this issue is to remind readers that for us,the most compelling power of complexity as an approach to social inquiry comes

Address correspondence to Dr. Lesley Kuhn, School of Management, Universityof Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, 1797, Australia. E-mail:l.kuhn@uws.edu.au

298

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Uni

vers

ity o

f U

lste

r L

ibra

ry]

at 0

5:19

09

Nov

embe

r 20

14

DENOUEMENT 299

from it not being an approach that is thoroughly legitimate, or circumscribed.Complexity science in social inquiry remains, at least as yet, permissive and slightlypromiscuous. The power lies less in complexity as an all powerful theoreticalparadigmatic orientation and more with the possibility of creative engagement.

As the social world is more complex than can be described, it is not amenableto all-encompassing theories and styles of analysis. All and each theory bothenlightens and obscures. To take one as being all powerful would be delusionaland denying of the efficacy of past, perhaps unfashionable theories, as well asnaıve in respect to future possibilities. Logically then, it is more useful to haveevocative rather than prescriptive descriptions. Complexity, as advanced in thisissue, is utilized for exploring possibilities rather than prescribing relationshipsand processes.

However, a caveat must be put. Working with evocative possibilities demandshigher conceptual capacity from the interpreter than would be required should thetheory be used as “recipe” or technique. Working with delimiting prescriptionsmakes the practitioner a technician. Familiarity with theoretical propositional un-derpinnings is demanded, as is thoughtfulness about translations to other domainsof application. In this sense, complexity in the social domain is only as useful orapt as is the person utilizing it, knowledgeable and intelligent in their usage. Thinkof fencing, and an “epee” in the hands of a skilled fencer. Complexity science isonly as effective as the skilfulness of the person who wields it.

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Uni

vers

ity o

f U

lste

r L

ibra

ry]

at 0

5:19

09

Nov

embe

r 20

14