Implementation Report: Public Lecture “An Introduction to Systems Thinking with Non-Experts”

Abstract

Systems thinking is a concept that originated from system dynamics, a branch of systems science. In UNESCO’s ESD for 2030 program, it is identified as one of the eight key competencies alongside critical thinking. Similarly, in the OECD’s Education 2030 project, it is designated as one of the three essential competencies, “Reconciling tensions and dilemmas.” The World Economic Forum’s “The Future of Jobs Report 2025” also lists it among the core skills expected to be important by 2030. Nevertheless, systems thinking remains little recognized in Japan. This paper reports on the implementation of a public lecture introducing systems thinking. The lecture positioned systems thinking, centered on the iceberg model, as “a habit of reflecting on, discussing, and practicing structures and mental models rather than merely focusing on events and behaviors.” It also presented original reflections on the limitations of logical thinking and examined whether critical thinking and systems thinking can complement it.