Metis and the Art of Serendipity
S.M. Copeland (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
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Abstract
In this chapter, Samantha Copeland explores the research into the nature of sagacity in instances of serendipity—the particular kind of wisdom that allows some individuals to see the potential value in an unexpected, accidental encounter with another person, place or thing. She takes on the problem of what an “art of serendipity” could be, and uses the lenses of episteme, techne and metis to reveal what expertise, talents, perspectives and relationships should constitute the practice of such an art. In particular, a focus on metis, commonly known as “cunning wisdom”, and an exploration of recent research on integrating serendipity into practice are found to highlight the importance of standpoint, responsiveness and relational support as the key elements that practitioners of the art of serendipity seem to bring together when they generate opportunities out of chance.