Leaving behind what we are not. Applying a systems thinking perspective to present unlearning as an enabler for finding the best version of the self

摘要

In response to criticism on the concept of "unlearning", weudsuggested that unlearning on an individual level shouldudbe defined as the reduction of the influence of oldudknowledge on cognitive and/or behavioural processes. Inudthis article, we apply a systems thinking perspective onudthis definition to explore how far this kind of unlearningudcan possibly go and what happens if this process isudinward-directed, i.e. affects the cognitive and behaviouraludpatterns that define who we are. We take a knowledgeudperspective on the concept of the self and suggest thatudunlearning could trigger a disequilibrium, which in turn,udenables a deep learning process and guides us to what isudreferred to as ideal or best version of the self. This doesudnot only have implications for the individual level butudit can initiate fundamental change processes inudorganizations.