A SYSTEMIC VIEW OF COGNITION - A CONTRIBUTION OF INDIAN PHILOSOPHIC THOUGHT AND TRADITION

Cognition is an important aspect of any problem appreciation and resol ution. It is recognised that the phenomenon of consciousness is closel y related to cognition. However, in many Western scientific philosophi cal investigations cognition is treated as a biologically determined f unction and consciousness is brought in as a concept to understand som e phenomenon like non-computability. It is defined as the ability for sensation and capability for awareness and understanding. In biologica l evolution consciousness is linked to learning processes. By contrast , in the Indian philosophical tradition consciousness is fundamental t o all existence in the manifest universe. This paper deals with the va rious aspects of this understanding and its consequences in a manageri al approach to problem-solving. A concept of the manager as a seeker l eading to a new Upanishadic style of management is presented. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.