Dr Tom Chatfield is a British author and tech philosopher. Dr. Chatfield’s work aims the improvement of our understanding of digital technology, and its uses in policy, education and engagement. Dr. Chatfield is particularly interested in AI ethics, critical thinking and future skills. His books explore, among other subjects, the co-evolution of humanity and technology, and how the latter has made us what we are nowadays.
Abstract
“Beyond “Side Effects”: Interdisciplinary Thinking for a Complex World”
We often dismiss unintended consequences as mere “side effects,” hoping to excuse the limitations of our plans. But, as MIT’s John Sterman powerfully observed, “there are no side effects—just effects.” This tendency to draw our mental boundaries too narrowly, keeping our time horizons too short, is more perilous than ever. We live in an age defined by complex, interlocking systems, exemplified by the rise of Artificial Intelligence—itself an inherently interdisciplinary creation woven from algorithms, data and human values. AI, like our most pressing global challenges, forces us to confront the “ecological” nature of reality, both biological and intellectual.
We are deeply enmeshed in systems where actions ripple outwards, generating emergent phenomena that defy simple prediction and control. This keynote offers a lively, philosophical exploration of why interdisciplinary skills and collaborations are now vital. It champions systems thinking, complexity awareness, and the cultivation of collective critical thinking. It delves into the intellectual virtues needed for thriving in the 21st century: open-mindedness, tolerance for ambiguity, and a focus on fostering potential and seeking thriving rather than illusory control.