Transcontextual, a term coined by Nora Bateson, refers to the intricate web of interactions and interdependencies that span across multiple contexts in any given system. It captures the essence of how various domains—be they personal, social, ecological, or technological—intersect and influence one another in a dynamic, co-evolving dance of complexity. Rather than isolating a single context as the primary locus of understanding, a transcontextual perspective embraces the interconnectedness and fluidity that characterize living systems. This approach emphasizes that meaning, relationships, and outcomes arise not from isolated fragments, but from the rich tapestry of overlapping contexts that coalesce to shape our experiences and realities. Hence, to think transcontextually is to recognize and engage with the holistic interplay that defines the multifaceted dimensions of existence.

See also: mutual learning, gregory bateson, living system, systems theory, contextual process