Podcast TCCR #011 - The "Cognosystem": A new analytical unit for Social Work

This episode marks a turning point in the development of the "Cognosystemic Theory of Human Psychosocial Relational Construction" (TCCR) by introducing its central and most innovative concept: the "Cognosystem". This unit of analysis profoundly redefines how psychosocial phenomena can be observed, interpreted, and addressed in Social Work—moving beyond models based on fixed structures or linear explanations.

What Is the Cognosystem?

The Cognosystem is defined as an intersubjective, open, dynamic, and situated narrative system, composed of a network of meanings that shape the psychosocial reality of individuals, groups, and communities. It is the minimal unit of analysis and intervention in the TCCR, and its structure captures the full complexity of human life in constant interaction with its environment.

Key Features of the Cognosystem

This episode explains that the Cognosystem is:

- Narrative: structured through shared stories and meanings.

- Cognitive: it organizes perception, emotion, behavior, and decision-making.

- Systemic: composed of interrelated elements that form a coherent whole.

- Relational: it emerges and evolves through interaction with other narrative systems.

- Ecosystemic: distributed across multiple levels—micro, meso, macro, and chrono.

- Autopoietic: capable of self-reproduction and transformation through its own internal dynamics.

Internal Components of the Cognosystem

The episode details its internal architecture, including:

- Organizing narratives, both central and peripheral.

- Cognosystemic memes that enable the flow of meaning across levels.

- Narrative hierarchies that structure symbolic power and discursive relevance.

- Feedback circuits that maintain system stability or promote change.

Functions of the Cognosystem

The Cognosystem performs essential functions:

- It organizes the psychosocial meaning of experience.

- It defines identities and relationships within the relational fabric.

- It filters, translates, and adapts contextual influences.

- It regulates social practices based on dominant or alternative narratives.

A Powerful Tool for Social Work

This episode demonstrates how the Cognosystem enables Social Work professionals to:

- Diagnose dysfunctional, contradictory, or oppressive narrative configurations.

- Understand the role of meaning in shaping social practices.

- Design narrative interventions that foster personal, familial, or community transformation.

Beyond Traditional Units

Unlike traditional categories such as “individual,” “family,” or “group,” the Cognosystem is not a static or structural entity. It is a dynamic web of meanings in continuous production and reorganization. This allows Social Work to intervene at the level of meaning, not just in visible structures.

Connection with Other TCCR Concepts

The Cognosystem is interwoven with key theoretical concepts, such as:

- Narrative system

- Intersystemic friction

- Hierarchical displacement

- Memetic transformation

The episode concludes with a decisive idea: The Cognosystem represents the most significant innovation of the TCCR—a tool that allows us to understand human reality as a living network of meanings and provides Social Work with a situated, ethical, and profoundly transformative lens.

Listen and discover how a theory centered on meaning can radically change the way you understand and practice Social Work.

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