Book Review: "Pragmatism, Post-Modernism, and Complexity Theory"

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Pragmatism, Post-Modernism, and Complexity Theory: The 'Fascinating Imaginative Realm' of William E. Doll, Jr." edited by Donna Trueit. The book is a collection of articles from Doll's 50 year career as a "curriculum theorist" with some additional commentary by the editor. It outlines his philosophical journey through the late 20th and early 21st century, as impacts from quantum physics and computing shaped post-modern philosophy and led to the development of complexity sciences. He focuses on what these philosophical changes mean for our understanding of the learning process.

I was particularly struck by his viewpoint on Piaget. While the phrase "ages and stages" may be a common association, Doll highlights Piaget's focus on transitions and the interactive processes that stimulate change. Web 2.0 also happens to be about stimulating change with interaction! Doll also brings connections between Piaget and evolutionary biology into stark relief. I was surprised to learn that Piaget's dissertation was on how mussels respond to changes in their environment. Doll also points out some correspondence between Piaget and Prigogine, a complexity science pioneer.

I highly recommend this book!

Doll, W.E.. 2012. Pragmatism, Post-Modernism, and Complexity Theory: The 'Fascinating Imaginative Realm' of William E. Doll, Jr. Routledge, New York, NY.