What is Critical Systems Heuristics ?

Critical Systems Heuristics (CSH), developed by Werner Ulrich, is a philosophical framework for reflective and emancipatory practice. Its core is boundary critique, using 12 boundary questions to systematically surface the normative content and inevitable partiality (selectivity) of system designs or claims. CSH helps disclose underlying boundary judgments about facts and values.

CSH is defined by the following core characteristics:

1. Core Tool: Boundary Critique The methodology is organized around the central tool of boundary critique. In its simplest form, CSH utilizes a set of 12 boundary questions to make explicit the everyday judgments (known as boundary judgments) that determine what facts and norms are considered relevant when defining a situation or designing a system.
2. Purpose: Critical and Emancipatory Reflection CSH develops the systems idea as part of practical reason, aiming to help participants decide “what we ought to do,” rather than focusing solely on instrumental efficiency (“how to do things”). Its primary goal is critique, offering a “discursive framework for promoting critical (reflective and emancipatory) practice”.
3. Function: Revealing Normative Content and Partiality: CSH is designed to reveal and challenge the normative content of actual and proposed systems designs, which includes underlying value assumptions and the social consequences for those affected. It helps practitioners systematically disclose the inevitable partiality (selectivity) of all knowledge claims, recognizing that no proposal or action can serve everyone equally well.
4. Scope: Systems, Heuristics, and Critique The name reflects its three fundamental concerns: the need for Critique (reflecting on presuppositions); the use of Heuristics (the art of discovery and exploration through questions); and the Systems idea (referring to the totality of ethical, political, and ideological elements on which practical judgments depend). CSH is particularly significant for establishing “emancipatory systems thinking” because it provides a means for those affected but not involved in decision-making to make their voices heard and challenge underpinning assumptions.

CSH aims for emancipatory practice, granting those who are affected but not involved (witnesses) the capacity to challenge expert claims, arguing that technical knowledge provides no advantage when defining system boundaries. While CSH offers a structured way to expose differing worldviews and encourage mutual understanding, case studies demonstrate that its effectiveness often depends on the existence of a robust public sphere capable of overcoming existing power structures and coercion. Ultimately, CSH serves as a critical device intended to be used in conjunction with other systems methods to supply them with necessary contextual sophistication and ethical legitimacy.

References

1. Ulrich, W. (n.d.). Critical systems heuristics (CSH). Retrieved November 27, 2025, from https://wulrich.com/csh.html
2. Jackson, M. C. (2019). Critical systems thinking and the management of complexity (1st ed.). Wiley.
3. Reynolds, M., & Holwell, S. (Eds.). (2020). Systems approaches to making change: A practical guide. The Open University. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-7472-1_6