A Historical Perspective on the Epistemology of Breakthrough Innovation

Citation:

Vojak (2017). “A Historical Perspective on the Epistemology of Breakthrough Innovation” in Michelfelder, Newberry, and Zhu (vol. eds.) Philosophy and Engineering: Exploring Boundaries, Expanding Connections in Vermaas (series editor-in-chief) Philosophy of Engineering and Technology (Springer).

Abstract:

Three features of the practice of discovery by contemporary breakthrough innovators emerge as plainly apparent – their thinking is holistic, intimate and non-linear. Interestingly, these distinctive features appear to have a significant historical component – they are individually and collectively the diametric opposite of the very best elements of Modern thinking, a perspective that has contributed greatly to economic advancement over the past few centuries. Of note, while breakthrough innovators must be extremely talented in the ways of Modern thinking, it is merely their entry ticket to being able to contribute more powerfully. Those who truly stand out as innovators possess this additional set of skills, the ability to think in this other way. Since so few people exhibit great skill in thinking in both of these ways, it is not surprising that breakthrough innovators are such rare individuals.