The ethics of complexity and the complexity of ethics

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the implications that a general view of complexity -i.e. the view that complex phenomena are irreducible -hold for our understanding of ethics. In this view, ethics should be conceived of as constitutive of knowledge and identity, rather than as a normative system that dictates right action. Using this understanding, we elaborate on the ethics of complexity and the complexity of ethics. Whilst the former concerns the nature and the status of our modelling choices, the latter denotes a contingent and recursive understanding of ethics. Although the complexity of ethics cannot be captured in a substantive normative model, we argue that this view of ethics nevertheless commits one to, what we term, 'the provisional imperative'. Like Kant's categorical imperative, the provisional imperative is substantively-empty; however, unlike Kant's imperative, our imperative cannot be used to generate universal ethical principles. As such, the provisional imperative simultaneously demands that we must be guided by it, whilst drawing attention to the exclusionary nature of all imperatives. We further argue that the provisional imperative urges us to adopt a certain attitude with regard to ethical decision-making, and that this attitude is supported and nurtured by provisionality, transgressivity, irony, and imagination.

The Epistemological Implications of Critical Complexity Thinking for Operational Research

“…Cilliers [47] warns that as a result of such boundary setting, one cannot blame the outcomes of decisions and actions on such a procedure and that responsibility should be assumed. Woermann and Cilliers [40] confirm this by arguing that whenever models do not correspond with reality (due to boundaries); responsibility should be taken for both the intended and unintended consequences. Similarly, Audouin, et al [59] note that boundary definitions involve choices that are essentially value based-this is also in line with the work of Ulrich [9] and Midgley [7] presented in Section 3.1.…”

“…Follow-up work by Cilliers on complexity theory indicated that there are a number of aspects of complex systems that may be applicable to this study and to OR. Some of the more important issues include the concept of knowledge and that which constitutes knowledge in a complex system [37,38]; the role played by limits and boundaries in a system and how it may possibly lead to reductive descriptions of a complex system [38]; the status of rules when dealing with complex systems [39]; and ethical decision making [40]. These aspects will be explored further in Section 5.…”

“…Similarly, Audouin, et al [59] note that boundary definitions involve choices that are essentially value based-this is also in line with the work of Ulrich [9] and Midgley [7] presented in Section 3.1. Ethics and ethical considerations are seemingly important in complexity theory and more insight from a philosophical viewpoint on ethics and complexity can be found in Reference [40]. The idea of ethical considerations and responsibility in OR is widely accepted.…”

Understanding Ethics in Sustainability Transitions: Towards Social Learning for Sustainable Food Systems

“…This thesis will argue that the alternative of complex thinking provides a suitable paradigm of thought in this context, and that the understanding of "complex ethics" that evolves out of this thinking, is sufficiently appropriate in addressing the ethical issues of sustainability transitions, particularly in food systems. Indeed, the literature that informs this argument for a revolutionary change of thought (Cilliers, 1998;Cilliers, 2000a;Cilliers, 2000b;Cilliers, 2004;Morin, 1992;Morin, 2007;Woermann & Cilliers, 2012;Woermann, 2013) reveals that ethics is inseparable to a way of thinking that will account for the scale of the global polycrises.…”

Complexity: E-Special Introduction

“…However, these limitations are not disenabling; they enable knowledge and action (Cilliers, 2005: 263). The attitude which dealing with complexity creates is one that is transgressive as it constantly tries to account for and ethically deal with that which the model excludes (see Preiser and Cilliers, 2010;Woermann and Cilliers, 2012). Furthermore, this necessitates the development of the imagination as we need to creatively deal with that which we exclude as well as adapt to a constantly changing future (see Allen, 2000: 103).…”