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Thanks to Paul for the invitation to intersect with the Evolving Systems Group.  Having participated in several related incarnations of this type of working group, I look forward to the chance to cross-pollinate with other interested individuals.  Coming from a botanical background, let me clarify the term cross-pollinate.  I intentionally use it here to draw out the similarities with the “trans-species” interactions between flowering plants and a whole variety of “others” – variety and others being of particular value for this type of endeavor.  Furthermore, I like the “fruitfulness” that the interaction engenders as well as the mutually beneficial nature of the relationship.  Of course the analogy breaks down a bit when considering some of the more biological ramifications of syngamy, but if we consider “ideas” to be the “gametes” of our gene pool, then perhaps the synecdoche remains useful.

More specifically, I bring many questions about inquiry, meaning and learning.  Can the emergent perspective help me understand the construction of meaning and if so how, as a teacher/parent/co-worker, can I aid others in developing an understanding and mastery of inquiry that allows for the construction of meaning in this dangerously absurd world we inhabit?