Moscow Methodological Circle Explained
The Moscow Methodological Circle (MMC) was a scientific organisation set up by Georgy Shchedrovitsky to examine problems from an inter-disciplinary point of view, looking at the various methodological approaches of each discipline to yield what they described as "systemic thinking activity".[1]
The MMC started out as an informal group meeting in a pub on Gorky Street which included the mathematician Alexander Zinoviev, the sociologist Boris Grushin and the philosopher Merab Mamardashvili. They attracted the attention of the KGB but were tolerated.[2]
The MMC developed an approach to methodological thinking, which featured these principles:[3]
- holism and reflexivity
- practical orientation which uses systems thinking as the means for organising processes of resolving wicked problems by multi-professional and transdisciplinary teams
- reflexivity as practical recursive orientation of thinking to itself whereby it is able to re-construct and re-direct itself;
- the “methodological turn” from thinking about systems as objects to develop the process of thinking systemically
Legacy
The MMC has had a lasting impact on Russian systems thinking particularly through the Methodological School of Management. This is acknowledged by Viktor Khristenko.
External links
Notes and References
- Liborakina . Marina . A bridge between past and future . Simulation and Gaming Yearbook . 1996 . 4 . 41–48 . 19 September 2018 . Psychology Press . 9780749418663 . en.
- Rindzeviciute. Egle. The Future as an Intellectual Technology in the Soviet Union: From Centralised Planning to Reflexive Management. Cahiers du monde Russe. 2015. 56. 1. 111–134. 10.4000/monderusse.8169. free.
- Maracha . Viacheslav . System-Thinking-Activity Approach: Thinking Response to Global Challenges . Book of Abstracts EMCSR 2014 . 2014 . en.
