Academic work by Jasper Ligthart
Two-page summary in Dutch of my master thesis: Applying the science of complexity to the question... more Two-page summary in Dutch of my master thesis: Applying the science of complexity to the question of organization.
Applying the science of complexity to the question of organization, Jun 19, 2014
In this master thesis, the question is explored of how complexity theory can inform and challenge... more In this master thesis, the question is explored of how complexity theory can inform and challenge the study of organizations. Complexity theory researches complex social and natural systems and the phenomena to which they give rise, such as emergence, adaptiveness, self-organization and complexity. It has been suggested that (human) organizations are complex systems, being composed of many actors which, through local interactions, generate emergent behavior on the level of the organization as a whole. If this is true, it challenges many of the – implicit - assumptions we hold when thinking and writing about organizations. Drawing on complexity scholars and organization theorists such as Ralph Stacey, Paul Cilliers, and Edgar Morin, I analyze and critically evaluate (1) How complexity theory has been used in organizations studies so far (2) What theoretical and ethical consequences the insights from complexity theory hold for the way we think about organizations (3) What a theory of organization rooted in complexity studies could look like (4) How professionals working with organizations can develop an attitude that allows them to better deal with complexity in their practice. I conclude that complexity theory has important consequences for the way we think and work in organizations, proposing an approach which is not aimed at reducing complexity for those involved, but at engaging it from an attitude which is both modest and reflective.
My thesis was awarded with the Leo Polak Thesis Prize 2014 (second prize).
This article contains some of my ideas on the contribution philosophy can make to the development... more This article contains some of my ideas on the contribution philosophy can make to the development of organizations and the practice of management consultants. Based mostly on the work of Robert Cooper and Mieke Moor, I analyze some of the problems encountered in the field and possibilities for solving them..
In Dutch.
During the last two decades, the concept of commons has come to some prominence in the economic, ... more During the last two decades, the concept of commons has come to some prominence in the economic, ecological and political sciences. While I feel the commons are an interesting subject for theoretical research, that may also open avenues for practical (political) action, there are still many unanswered questions with regards to the commons paradigm.
These include subjects like its (purported) origin and history, the reasons for its re-emergence in contemporary discourse, and its applicability as a means of social organization. In this essay, I will raise some of these questions and attempt to give answers to them.
In order to do that, I will first review the meaning and origins of the term common, and the circumstances surrounding its (re)entry into contemporary discourse. My aim with this is to provide a mini-archeology (in the Foucauldian sense) of the commons. After that I will analyze some of the problems we face when trying to apply the commons paradigm to the questions we are facing today. The implicit question that is at the background of this is “Can the commons be a tool for improving social and political justice?”
Deze scriptie analyseert de waarde en houdbaarheid van postmoderne kritiek op het humanisme als l... more Deze scriptie analyseert de waarde en houdbaarheid van postmoderne kritiek op het humanisme als levensbeschouwing. Foucault wordt hierbij als representant van deze kritiek beschouwd. Hoofdstuk 1 bevat een beschrijving van de geschiedenis en huidige verschijningsvormen van het humanisme, hoofdstuk 2 analyseert de kritiek en problematische verhouding van Foucault t.o.v het humanisme. In hoofdstuk 3 worden drie hedendaagse denkers besproken die deze kritiek hernemen en het humanisme hernieuwde status proberen te geven: Sloterdijk, Kunneman en Vanheste. Hoofdstuk 4 bestaat uit een conclusie en aanbevelingen.
Papers by Jasper Ligthart
Emerging meta-organisations and adaptation to global climate change: Evidence from implementing adaptation in Nepal, Pakistan and Ghana
Global Environmental Change, 2016
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Academic work by Jasper Ligthart
My thesis was awarded with the Leo Polak Thesis Prize 2014 (second prize).
In Dutch.
These include subjects like its (purported) origin and history, the reasons for its re-emergence in contemporary discourse, and its applicability as a means of social organization. In this essay, I will raise some of these questions and attempt to give answers to them.
In order to do that, I will first review the meaning and origins of the term common, and the circumstances surrounding its (re)entry into contemporary discourse. My aim with this is to provide a mini-archeology (in the Foucauldian sense) of the commons. After that I will analyze some of the problems we face when trying to apply the commons paradigm to the questions we are facing today. The implicit question that is at the background of this is “Can the commons be a tool for improving social and political justice?”
Papers by Jasper Ligthart