INTEGRITY, INTEGRATION AND LEARNING COMMUNITIES:THEORY AND PRACTICE IN EDUCATION

摘要

Originally conceived as part of a panel on Kenneth Boulding’s contributions to thernsystems field, this paper will focus on the theme of integrity. An essential elementrnof Boulding’s thought was his concept of the integrative function, which he saw asrna critical third force in society, mediating between the exchange function of thernmarketplace and the coercive function of structures of authority and power. Thernintegrative function, in its task of nurturing community and connection, dependedrnupon the development of skills in communication, dialogue, and conflictrnresolution, as well as the cultivation of a systemic awareness of therninterconnectedness and interdependence of our lives as individuals in anrnincreasingly complex and global social order. The dominant model of educationrnis not well suited to the task of nurturing such skills and awareness. Based uponrnmy own experience teaching in a seminar-based, interdisciplinary liberal studiesrnprogram, this paper will address the concept of learning communities in educationrnas an approach that can support the development of integrity and wholeness inrnboth individuals and society.