The Ethics of Participatory Processes: Dynamic Flux, Open Questions - Earth Stewardship: Linking Ecology and Ethics in Theory and Practice - page 315

Chapter 21
The Ethics of Participatory Processes:
Dynamic Flux, Open Questions
Peter J. Taylor
Abstract Collaboration and participation are widely emphasized in environmental
planning and management. This chapter describes a discussion group on the ethics
of participatory processes, raises the possibility of translating the non-equilibrium or
dynamic fl ux view of ecological complexity into a view of ethics and social action,
and introduces fi ve ideals for a “dynamic fl ux ethics”—engagement, participation,
cultivating collaborators, transversality, and fostering curiosity. These ideals are
linked to a schema woven out of the discussion group's contributions. What sense
of stewardship might come from participatory processes informed by this initial
exploration of dynamic fl ux ethics is left as an open question.
Keywords Curiosity • Dialogue • Dynamic fl ux • Engagement • Transversality
The most important parts of any conversation are those that neither party could have imagined
before starting. Isaacs (1999), Dialogue
[T]he challenge [is to] bring… into interaction not only a wider range of researchers, but a
wider range of social agents, and to… keep… them working through differences and
tensions until plans and practices are developed in which all the participants are invested.
Taylor ( 2005 ), Unruly Complexity
“As I said at the beginning,” [he] shouted, “you'll cut and run.” Jon stood holding the door.
The edge of the wood was between his fi ngers. “I told you. I have these questions to ask.
Open questions.” Williams ( 1985 ), Loyalties
A key principle of dialogue is to balance advocacy (making a statement) with
inquiry (seeking clarifi cations and understanding). In a chapter that will be read
after the author has fi nished writing, this principle is diffi cult to follow. Nevertheless,
let me try to create for readers some of the experience of participatory processes,
starting by putting two questions on the table: Do the ethics of participatory
processes lead participants to Earth Stewardship? Given that I am unsure of this,