9
The Sapiens methodology
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The second section of the exhibition’s exterior tour is dedicated to understanding the Sapiens methodology and its applications.
Sapiens is a research methodology developed by elBullifoundation with an approach that is both holistic and systemic; in other words, it considers that everything is connected. It is based on the systems theory and systemic thinking, and it also takes a historical perspective.
Like any research methodology, Sapiens is a tool that can be applied to any field where knowledge is connected to be better understood.
It is the common thread for all elBullifoundation projects, including the exhibition you are now visiting.
The installation comprises a first part, where some sentences appear to explain how human actions are born out of necessity, and how they are grouped into fields and economic activities through professions and academic disciplines.
The second part introduces the principles of Sapiens. Rather than seeking specialist knowledge, Sapiens aims to compile information of a more general nature through contributions from the different disciplines in dialogue with each other. To provide a view of the whole that goes beyond the sum of its parts, a holistic approach is applied that questions the status quo, that avoids dogmatic discourse, and that arranges and connects the knowledge with a digital mindset.
Finally, in the third part, all the methods making up the methodology are presented: the lexical, semantic and conceptual method; the comparative method; the classification method; the systemic method, which is at the core of the methodology; and, finally, the historical method.
The methodology is flexible, and the details of its application need to be defined for each individual research process, given that some will need to focus more on one type of knowledge than another, while others may not need as many types of knowledge as previously believed.
The application of Sapiens produces a concrete result, which can be a physical or digital file; an academic work, such as a dissertation or thesis; educational material; content in different formats such as books and exhibitions; reports for business projects; audits of an organisation and its operation; of an experience or creation and innovation; or the generation of a new idea that can be transformed into an innovation.
The ultimate goal may simply be to manage information and knowledge, or learning, but it can also be to teach, communicate, analyse context, study a business, improve certain business aspects such as its quality and efficiency, and to create and innovate. A deep understanding of the subject forms the foundations of any efforts to achieve these goals.
Sapiens is a research methodology developed by elBullifoundation with an approach that is both holistic and systemic; in other words, it considers that everything is connected. It is based on the systems theory and systemic thinking, and it also takes a historical perspective.
Like any research methodology, Sapiens is a tool that can be applied to any field where knowledge is connected to be better understood.
It is the common thread for all elBullifoundation projects, including the exhibition you are now visiting.
The installation comprises a first part, where some sentences appear to explain how human actions are born out of necessity, and how they are grouped into fields and economic activities through professions and academic disciplines.
The second part introduces the principles of Sapiens. Rather than seeking specialist knowledge, Sapiens aims to compile information of a more general nature through contributions from the different disciplines in dialogue with each other. To provide a view of the whole that goes beyond the sum of its parts, a holistic approach is applied that questions the status quo, that avoids dogmatic discourse, and that arranges and connects the knowledge with a digital mindset.
Finally, in the third part, all the methods making up the methodology are presented: the lexical, semantic and conceptual method; the comparative method; the classification method; the systemic method, which is at the core of the methodology; and, finally, the historical method.
The methodology is flexible, and the details of its application need to be defined for each individual research process, given that some will need to focus more on one type of knowledge than another, while others may not need as many types of knowledge as previously believed.
The application of Sapiens produces a concrete result, which can be a physical or digital file; an academic work, such as a dissertation or thesis; educational material; content in different formats such as books and exhibitions; reports for business projects; audits of an organisation and its operation; of an experience or creation and innovation; or the generation of a new idea that can be transformed into an innovation.
The ultimate goal may simply be to manage information and knowledge, or learning, but it can also be to teach, communicate, analyse context, study a business, improve certain business aspects such as its quality and efficiency, and to create and innovate. A deep understanding of the subject forms the foundations of any efforts to achieve these goals.
What is Sapiens?
Installation plan
1 – From human needs to human actions
2 – The principles of Sapiens
3 – A methodology is a set of methods: the Sapiens methods
1
From human needs to human actions
Humans have needs that can arise in both personal and professional settings. For as long as humans have existed, we have done things to address those needs.
This response has evolved in the emergence of businesses and organisations that cater to the different needs with what we call, from a business perspective, goods and services.
Businesses and organisations are made up of people and other interconnected elements that form part of a context, a society in which everything is linked.
We can classify human actions into economic activities related to their corresponding professions and academic disciplines, which allows us to chart the different fields from society’s point of view.
This response has evolved in the emergence of businesses and organisations that cater to the different needs with what we call, from a business perspective, goods and services.
Businesses and organisations are made up of people and other interconnected elements that form part of a context, a society in which everything is linked.
We can classify human actions into economic activities related to their corresponding professions and academic disciplines, which allows us to chart the different fields from society’s point of view.
2
The principles of Sapiens
The definition of the principles applied by Sapiens refers to the basic conditions required for the methodology’s approach and, in particular, to the set of rules or guidelines necessary for its application. It does not refer to principles in the sense of values from an ethical or moral perspective, despite some of these values also being reflected in certain principles of the Sapiens methodology.
As a whole, the principles define a philosophy for the application of Sapiens, and each of them is a rule that must be followed, albeit with flexibility. Rather than specific rules that are rigid, they are general recommendations adaptable to each situation with respect to the attitude and point of view that should be maintained throughout the investigative work because it assists understanding.
These principles balance two very different aspects that are actually two sides of the same coin. On the one hand, there is a commitment to expanding knowledge, open-mindedness and a predisposition to developing the imagination. On the other hand, there is a commitment to accuracy, rigour and realism.
The principles of a holistic view, of questioning the status quo and avoiding dogmatic discourse, inevitably favour freedom, exploration and the broadening of horizons. However, the principle of rigour with a scientific attitude, the principle of arranging and linking knowledge, and the principle of efficiency all follow the path of keeping exploration and new horizons in check through a reliable and realistic framework.
THE PRINCIPLES OF SAPIENS
Holistic view
This refers to seeking general information over specialist information, combining contributions from different disciplines to create a dialogue with each other, and a view of the whole as more than the simple sum of its parts. For example: incorporating architecture, science, design and agriculture into cooking and the fine-dining restaurant, as was achieved by elBullirestaurante.
Questioning the status quo
It is necessary to put aside preconceived and biased ideas, which means that the validity of our beliefs must be reconsidered. Question basic information, the starting point, and endeavour to renew it to generate new knowledge.For example: question the definition of a wine as a beverage because it is not only a beverage, or an organically farmed orange as natural because it is not natural.
Avoiding dogmatism
Besides questioning others, we also have to question ourselves. And when we produce new knowledge, we have to do so with humility, leaving the way open for this knowledge to also be questioned. For example: consider that there are many ways to define what cooking is, not only the definition given by a chef from a fine-dining restaurant, but also those given by a chemist, a food technologist and a mathematician.
Rigour with a scientific attitude
Sapiens is not a methodology for scientific research and it does not have the same demands as the scientific method in regards to reproducibility and reviewability; however, it is based on reason and logic, and it requires what we refer to as rigour with a scientific attitude. For example: in the sweet world of fine-dining cuisine, there is more rigour and a scientific attitude than in the corresponding savoury world, given that the ingredients for a sponge cake are measured, while the ingredients for a paella are not measured, even when they should be.
Arranging and connecting with a digital world
In order to understand, knowledge must be arranged and connected. The digital world has radically changed the possibilities for arranging and connecting, and it must be exploited. Artificial intelligence has led to a paradigm shift in terms of connecting knowledge.
Efficient application
In any business, but particularly in the case of small and medium enterprises with resources that are limited, being efficient, not bureaucratic, is essential. Because Sapiens encourages the furthering of knowledge, reflection and raising new questions, a decision has to be made regarding what level of detail is desirable and attainable, and any project must be planned in accordance with the possibilities.
As a whole, the principles define a philosophy for the application of Sapiens, and each of them is a rule that must be followed, albeit with flexibility. Rather than specific rules that are rigid, they are general recommendations adaptable to each situation with respect to the attitude and point of view that should be maintained throughout the investigative work because it assists understanding.
These principles balance two very different aspects that are actually two sides of the same coin. On the one hand, there is a commitment to expanding knowledge, open-mindedness and a predisposition to developing the imagination. On the other hand, there is a commitment to accuracy, rigour and realism.
The principles of a holistic view, of questioning the status quo and avoiding dogmatic discourse, inevitably favour freedom, exploration and the broadening of horizons. However, the principle of rigour with a scientific attitude, the principle of arranging and linking knowledge, and the principle of efficiency all follow the path of keeping exploration and new horizons in check through a reliable and realistic framework.
THE PRINCIPLES OF SAPIENS
Holistic view
This refers to seeking general information over specialist information, combining contributions from different disciplines to create a dialogue with each other, and a view of the whole as more than the simple sum of its parts. For example: incorporating architecture, science, design and agriculture into cooking and the fine-dining restaurant, as was achieved by elBullirestaurante.
Questioning the status quo
It is necessary to put aside preconceived and biased ideas, which means that the validity of our beliefs must be reconsidered. Question basic information, the starting point, and endeavour to renew it to generate new knowledge.For example: question the definition of a wine as a beverage because it is not only a beverage, or an organically farmed orange as natural because it is not natural.
Avoiding dogmatism
Besides questioning others, we also have to question ourselves. And when we produce new knowledge, we have to do so with humility, leaving the way open for this knowledge to also be questioned. For example: consider that there are many ways to define what cooking is, not only the definition given by a chef from a fine-dining restaurant, but also those given by a chemist, a food technologist and a mathematician.
Rigour with a scientific attitude
Sapiens is not a methodology for scientific research and it does not have the same demands as the scientific method in regards to reproducibility and reviewability; however, it is based on reason and logic, and it requires what we refer to as rigour with a scientific attitude. For example: in the sweet world of fine-dining cuisine, there is more rigour and a scientific attitude than in the corresponding savoury world, given that the ingredients for a sponge cake are measured, while the ingredients for a paella are not measured, even when they should be.
Arranging and connecting with a digital world
In order to understand, knowledge must be arranged and connected. The digital world has radically changed the possibilities for arranging and connecting, and it must be exploited. Artificial intelligence has led to a paradigm shift in terms of connecting knowledge.
Efficient application
In any business, but particularly in the case of small and medium enterprises with resources that are limited, being efficient, not bureaucratic, is essential. Because Sapiens encourages the furthering of knowledge, reflection and raising new questions, a decision has to be made regarding what level of detail is desirable and attainable, and any project must be planned in accordance with the possibilities.
3
A methodology is a set of methods: the Sapiens methods
The lexical, semantic and conceptual method: this consists of questioning the terms associated with the study’s topic and their definitions. It results in the development of a custom lexicon – a specific dictionary appropriate to the project – which allows for an accurate definition of the object of study.
The classification method: this consists of questioning the classification of the concepts associated with the study’s topic. It involves expanding the list of terms and definitions to create a classification specific to the project.
The comparative method: this consists of drawing whole or partial parallels with other objects of the study, analysing their similarities and differences in order to improve both the dictionary and the classification.
The systemic method: this is the core method. It is based on systemic thinking and is divided into two main views: context, which is made up of the systems of nature, humans and human action; and the business system, made up of the different elements that give rise to the business identity document (BID). It consists of placing the object of study in its context and analysing the business system.
The historical method: this consists of studying the origin and evolution of the study’s topic and takes the form of a chronology of stages and periods. With the historical method, it is possible to deepen the knowledge compiled from the other four methods, particularly the systemic method, by incorporating the historical perspective and studying the evolution through the ages. It will be useful for future work on the subject.
The classification method: this consists of questioning the classification of the concepts associated with the study’s topic. It involves expanding the list of terms and definitions to create a classification specific to the project.
The comparative method: this consists of drawing whole or partial parallels with other objects of the study, analysing their similarities and differences in order to improve both the dictionary and the classification.
The systemic method: this is the core method. It is based on systemic thinking and is divided into two main views: context, which is made up of the systems of nature, humans and human action; and the business system, made up of the different elements that give rise to the business identity document (BID). It consists of placing the object of study in its context and analysing the business system.
The historical method: this consists of studying the origin and evolution of the study’s topic and takes the form of a chronology of stages and periods. With the historical method, it is possible to deepen the knowledge compiled from the other four methods, particularly the systemic method, by incorporating the historical perspective and studying the evolution through the ages. It will be useful for future work on the subject.
For more information…
BOOK
Conectando conocimiento. Metodología Sapiens
Available from our shop and at
www.elbullistore.com
www.elbullistore.com
WEB
Metodologia Sapiens
metodologiasapiens.com
