The abductive process is an approach to understanding the world from a holistic perspective. It departs from traditional Aristotelian ideas of rationality by recognizing that knowledge and understanding are multi-dimensional, with an emphasis on the context and situation of the phenomenon being studied. This process consists of three stages: formulating an hypothesis based on observation and experience, analyzing the hypothesis through further observations and experiences, and converging on an answer based on the newfound insight. Abduction defies the logic of deduction and induction, rendering traditional problem solving strategies inadequate. It is a powerful tool for understanding complex systems, helping us see overarching patterns and interconnectedness between seemingly disparate phenomena.

See also: mutual learning, gregory bateson, living system, complex system, systems thinking