2834. An Alternative History of Systems Thinking - a Call for Re-synthesis of the Subject
Invited abstract in session WC-50: Systems Thinking 5, stream Systems Thinking.
Wednesday, 12:30-14:00Room: Parkinson B11
Authors (first author is the speaker)
| 1. | Roger James
|
| Computiv Ltd |
Abstract
Newton’s famous dictum “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants” reflects progress in science and a delicate balancing act. Nature determines our thinking styles but nurture and experience shapes us. Is Systems Thinking universal and enduring, or just a reflection of the techniques popular at the times? Are the Giant’s shoulders shifting?
To understand Systems Thinking as a set of principles, rather than a collection of techniques is simpler, more interesting and a platform for innovation. My ‘alternative history’ introduces these principles via the metaphor of a bushfire: some aspects of Systems Thinking have advanced significantly from their origin, other aspects have developed little. Between these ‘hot fronts’ there is scorched earth contested by dichotomies. In his essay The Culpabliss Error Stafford Beer distinguished between the underlying goal of better understanding and the noise (or complication) from techniques.
My ‘alternative history’ illuminates the growth of underlying complexity and highlights the confusing overlay of the fashions of technique. For students of Systems Thinking it is a recognition of fundamental principles as a route to study the mountain of books and papers. For the academic it is a plea to explore a needed re-synthesis of the subject. For the practitioner it is to appreciate individual styles and the enduring power of some old ideas together with opportunities for novelty.
Keywords
- Soft OR
- Complex Societal Problems
- Problem Structuring
Status: accepted
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