Dr Bill Herfel first came to The Institute of Applied Psychology as a student.
He is a philosopher of science and technology interested in the study of complex and chaotic dynamics wherever it is found. He co-edited a book, Theories and Models in Scientific Processes, and he has published articles on a wide range of topics including the dynamics of the scientific process, the role economic dynamics in technological development, complex systems ecology, academic integrity, and the complex dynamic foundations of Chinese medicine.
Currently, he coordinates a critical thinking course playing a foundational role in the biomedical sciences major at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He has lectured extensively in Asia, Europe and North America. He coordinated a course in the PSB engineering program in Singapore and delivered more than two dozen lectures in universities, hospitals and research institutes in China, whilst maintaining a close research relationship with several Chinese research institutions, including the prestigious China Academy for Chinese Medical Science in Beijing.
He has supervised postgraduate students at PhD and Honours levels. He has taught across a wide range of the philosophy curriculum, including the philosophy of science and technology, social dynamics of science, philosophy of psychology, philosophy of sex and sexuality, engineering ethics, social work ethics, business ethics, Chinese philosophy and the philosophies of Marx, Nietzsche and Foucault.
He believes that the IAP is at the leading edge of personal development and the approach to applied psychology pursued under the leadership of Gordon Young at the IAP will be the next big development, following on from CBT and ACT, in fostering mental health in the community. This made the offer to join the faculty very appealing, and Bill is currently developing courses and pursuing research for the IAP.
