[Ailist] Difference between constructionist and poetic principles

[Jim Swanson]

As a definite non-expert in Appreciative Inquiry, I can at least give 
you my understanding of the two. While perhaps similar in a general 
sense, they relate to two different concepts.

The constructionist principle is not so much about our interpretation of 
reality, but our creation of it -- through the words we speak (and thus 
listen to), the experiences we have had, and so on. In her book 
"Appreciative Living: the Principles of Appreciative Inquiry in Personal 
Life," Jackie Kelm said that the essential premise of this principle "is 
that life experience doesn't just happen to us, we actually create it 
together." This may be a bit much to chew on for someone who has decided 
that external reality is "out there" and the same for every observer.

The poetic principle does relate to the interpretation of the sensory 
input from "out there". As you read or hear a poem, the words may mean 
different things to different people -- and different from time to time. 
A recognition of this is (to me) vital in appreciative inquiry, as 
groups seek to find common ground and common good.

If that doesn't make sense, then suspend judgment while experiencing 
appreciative inquiry -- try it; you may like it.

Jim Swanson