This was the theme of our recent Convention in SPoR in Canberra.

It was lovely to share in learning with all those who came including some from Europe and Canada.

The theme for the convention was Critical Thinking presented by Dr Craig Ashhurst and Prof. Rob Long but also 10 presentations from participants. Both modules were separated by a semiotic walk day where we explored the symbolism, signs and semiosis of a church, a country pub and the annual Floriade festival in Canberra (https://floriadeaustralia.com/). This approach to experiential learning always brings people into a comparative way of learning through immersion. The day is characterised by conversation, sharing, listening, observation, relationships, embodied knowing and consideration of what is significant (semiosis).

In the four days of workshops, Craig and Rob decided to present two very different but complimentary approaches to critical thinking. Craig explored traditional approaches to critical thinking and Rob looked at an embodied sense of critical thinking. Craig led the group in thinking about thinking including some very practical exercises using his unique work on Collective Coherence. Rob explored the meaning of Mind, multiple intelligences, Poetic thinking, embodied knowing and thinking about the immeasurable.

As usual, places were limited. This is because in SPoR we know that Small is Beautiful and essential for learning. SPoR has no interest in huge conferences where people are entertained but learn very little. The key to learning is: relationship, engagement, connection, i-thou meeting, social knowing and practice. These cannot be achieved in large numbers. Entertainment is NOT learning. Information is NOT learning.

One of the common themes that flowed through the convention was about metaphor and just how much metaphor shapes the way we interpret being (https://cs.uwaterloo.ca/~jhoey/teaching/cs886-affect/papers/LakoffJohnsonMetaphorsWeLiveBy.pdf). For example, if all the metaphors and symbols one views about the human mind are about cogs (https://safetyrisk.net/its-all-in-the-cogs-for-safety/) then one assumes that thinking is mechanical. If all the metaphors about Mind are represented by a brain (eg. HOP) then one thinks the brain is a computer that directs the body as a carrier for a computer-as-brain.

Metaphor and symbols work on the unconscious and are much more powerful than conscious rational thinking. All people in marketing, advertising and sales know this. They know more than many that the medium is the message (https://safetyrisk.net/the-medium-is-the-message/). So, we explored the ways in which critical thinking is framed and how people are primed by the symbols and metaphors of safety to create safety myths about how people think and why they do what they do. This is also why we looked at the nature of Learning Intelligences (Gardner – Frames of Mind) and undertook so much practical and experiential learning during the 5 days. This also included the importance of sharing over meals in meeting. To really understand the power of learning in community through sharing a meal I would suggest reading Wirzba (2011) Food and Faith (https://archive.org/details/foodfaiththeolog0000wirz).

Another theme that flowed through the convention was on Transdisciplinarity that is, the openness to learn across disciplines. For example, we explored the thinking of First Nations people and ritual objects. This lead us into ways of critical thinking that are non-rational and experiential that cannot be represented nor measured (https://www.academia.edu/1487090/Australian_Aboriginal_Ritual_Objects_or_how_to_represent_the_unrepresentable).

We also had a wonderful presentation by Andrew Larsen on his work on the new book The Ethics of Risk (https://www.humandymensions.com/product/the-ethics-of-risk/). In his presentation he looked at the ‘lenses’ through which we see the world. Indeed, how these ‘lenses’ shape interpretation, bias and worldview. Andrew’s workshop challenged us to walk to the local shopping centre and to view what we observed through a Transdisciplinary lens. Then on return, to articulate how that lens coloured how we interpreted what we saw. Some of his opening slides are attached:

Much of this is shared in our new book for free download: The Ethics of Risk, A Transdisciplinary-Semiotic Lens.

It was also great to have people from all walks of life practicing SPoR methods in: executive management, mining, manufacturing, construction, forestry, engineering, emergency services, government and consulting.

Videos of the Convention

On request, we engaged a professional multimedia expert to record the days and these will soon be available for paid access. We will announce this over the coming weeks.

SPoR Conference in Edinburgh 4-6 February 2026

For those who want to experience a similar conference the next will be happening in Edinburgh 4-6 Fenruary 2026 with Dr Nippin Anand and Prof. Rob Long. You can find out more and register here:

https://novellus.solutions/mec-events/social-psychology-of-risk-conference-spor-europe-2026/

The theme for this conference is Holistic Ergonomics. In this view we look at the nature of persons and culture in all matters not considered by traditional so called ‘human factors’ and ergonomics.

This will be perhaps one of the last times Prof. Rob Long will travel to the Northern Hemisphere and so a one-off opportunity.

Free Introduction to SPoR Online

For those who want to know more about SPoR you can view the free online Introduction to SPoR here: https://vimeo.com/showcase/4233556

Or download any of the free books and audiobooks here: https://www.humandymensions.com/shop/