Convergences and differences between complex thinking and the ecology of knowledge

Abstract

This review article analyses the convergences and differences between complex thought and knowledge ecology with the aim of exploring possibilities of complementation and synergies within the framework of a critical epistemology. For this purpose, a bibliographical review has been carried out, supported by deductive and hermeneutic methods. For the characterization of complex thought, the work of Edgar Morin and other authors such as Boaventura de Sousa Santos has been reviewed. From the review we conclude that both complex thought and knowledge ecology have many similarities since they share to a greater or lesser extent the principles of organized systems, dialogicity, recursion and retroactivity. In addition they are explicit in overcoming the subject-object distinction to move to a subject-matter relationship. Both proposals constitute alternatives to hegemonic scientific thought and place value on cognitive pluralism and cognitive justice. The main difference is that knowledge ecology has a more explicit commitment to the knowledge of social movements in their resistance struggles against the various forms of colonialism in force, which have a correlation with an economic system that privileges the market to life. In this sense, it is possible to recognize in the ecology of knowledge a more political character. Both proposals, although with different degrees, stand as alternatives that transform social reality.