Ontological Humility

Introduction

This paper discusses the difference between cognition differentiation and integration as well as ontological humility and the Business Model Innovation (BMI). It further discusses double-publishing and false assumptions.

Cognition

Cognition is important to Business Model Innovation (BMI) (Martins et al., 2015). And both cognitive differentiation and cognitive integration are essential for human cognition. Together, they allow us to understand the world in ever-increasing levels of complexity. By understanding these processes, we can gain insights into how our mind works and how we can better use our cognitive abilities.

Cognition Differentiation and Integration

The ability to think abstractly is one of the defining characteristics of human cognition. We can take perspective, see the world from different angles, and understand concepts that are not physically present. This capacity is what allows us to reason, plan, and solve complex problems. There are two key processes that enable our ability to think abstractly: cognitive differentiation and cognitive integration.

Cognitive differentiation can be defined as the ability to break down complex concepts into simpler component parts. This process allows us to see the world in terms of separate ideas and categories (Miller & Wilson, 1979). For example, when we think about a cat, we can differentiate between its fur, its claws, its eyes, etc. Without cognitive differentiation, we would be unable to understand or communicate about complex concepts. Cognitive integration can be thought of as the ability to combine different concepts into a cohesive whole (Miller & Wilson, 1979). This process allows us to see relationships between ideas and draw conclusions from them. For example, when we see a cat and a mouse, we can integrate this information to conclude that the cat is likely to eat the mouse. Without cognitive integration, our understanding of the world would be greatly impoverished.

Both cognitive differentiation and cognitive integration are essential for human cognition. Together, they allow us to understand the world in ever-increasing levels of complexity. By understanding these processes, we can gain insights into how our mind works and how we can better use our cognitive abilities.

Business Model Innovation

Assumptions Needed to Answer the BMI Questions

When considering whether organizational...

First, there is the assumption that design changes are inevitable when adding a BMI. This may or may not be the case, depending on factors such as the type of BMI being implemented and the existing organizational structure.

Second, there is the assumption that a redesigned organization will be more successful at implementing radical BMI ideas...

…and original content. In addition, double-publishing can also lead to a waste of editor's time and resources.

False Assumptions

Editors are often inundated with submissions, and they do not have the time or energy to review duplicate articles. As such, it is important for authors to be transparent about their publication history and to only submit original content and avoid making false assumptions.

Personal Biases

Ultimately, ontological humility is about recognizing the limits of our knowledge and admitting that we don't have all the answers. Personal biases should be set aside to avoid any type of ontological pride. Ontological pride can lead to the type of double-publishing that the APA guides against.

Conclusion

Ontological humility is the recognition that one's cognitive abilities are fallible and that there is a limit to what one can know. It is a cornerstone of the scientific enterprise, which progresses by constantly testing and revising its theories in the face of new evidence. Double-publishing occurs when an author submit two papers on the same topic to different journals. This practice compromises the integrity of the scientific process by preventing other scholars from critically evaluating the work. In addition, it wastes the time and resources of both the journals involved and the reviewers who must read and assess the papers. Finally, it risks creating confusion and duplication of effort…