A Brief Introduction to Critical Systems Heuristics (CSH)

Critical systems heuristics (Ulrich 1983) is a framework for reflective practice based on practical philosophy and systems thinking. The name stands for three major concerns. First, the aim is to enhance the ‘critical’ (reflective) competence not only of well-trained professionals and decision-makers but also of ordinary people. Second, reflective practice cannot be secured by theoretical means only but requires ‘heuristic’ support in the form of questions and argumentation tools that make a difference in practice. And third, ‘systems’ thinking can provide us with a useful starting point for understanding the methodological requirements of such an approach to reflective practice. Here is a short explanation of each of these three pillars of CSH: