Promoting Systems Thinking Through Metaphor

Annie Winneg, Oberlin College

Location

Science Center, A154

Document Type

Presentation

Start Date

4-24-2015 1:30 PM

End Date

4-24-2015 2:30 PM

Abstract

Is income inequality more of a blemish or a failing organ in our economy? Both metaphors capture features of wealth disparities, but only “failing organ” emphasizes the fact that our economy is a complex system in which activity in one region may lead to problems in other parts of the system. With Professor Paul Thibodeau, I study how select metaphors highlight complex causal structures. I am interested in whether reading such metaphors can induce a systems-thinking mindset and facilitate complex decision-making. This research has the potential to introduce metaphors as simple and scalable tools to help people approach some of the most difficult and complex problems we face today.

Notes

Session 1, Panel 1 - Language and Authenticity: Studies of Metaphors, the Supreme Court, and the Free Speech Movement
Moderator: Steve Wojtal, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Major

Psychology

Advisor(s)

Stephan Mayer, Psychology

Project Mentor(s)

Paul Thibodeau, Psychology

April 2015

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Apr 24th, 1:30 PM Apr 24th, 2:30 PM

Promoting Systems Thinking Through Metaphor

Science Center, A154

Is income inequality more of a blemish or a failing organ in our economy? Both metaphors capture features of wealth disparities, but only “failing organ” emphasizes the fact that our economy is a complex system in which activity in one region may lead to problems in other parts of the system. With Professor Paul Thibodeau, I study how select metaphors highlight complex causal structures. I am interested in whether reading such metaphors can induce a systems-thinking mindset and facilitate complex decision-making. This research has the potential to introduce metaphors as simple and scalable tools to help people approach some of the most difficult and complex problems we face today.