Implicit aspects of much systems thinking

In: Systems research, Band 5, Heft 4, S. 333-342

Abstract

AbstractMuch systems thinking involves implicit aspects upon which the validity, credibility, and even the meaning of the products of the thought depend. The consequences of following misguided, implicit presuppositions vary in intensity according to the milieu in which such presuppositions govern. Two important areas in which the consequences can be very severe to society today are (a) large system design and operation and (b) management of organizations that produce or manage such systems.Division of a ConceptSeveral key notions can play a role in converting many of the implicit aspects into explicit features. Among these are the notions of:Integration of Component ConceptsDefinition by RelationshipGradation of Beliefall of which benefit by taking the mathematical Theory of Relations as an underlying language for expression.Much of the implicitness in science and in systems thinking derives from the failure to recognize explicitly three Universal Priors to all science: The human being, language, and reasoning through relationships. Recognition of a body of knowledge as a science ought to be conditional on the studied, relevant, and explicit incorporation of these three features in the science.Referential transparency, a key criterion for any science, is potentially greatly enhanced by replacing implicit or superficial recognition of the Universal Priors with explicit, detailed incorporation of them in the science.Through the combined impact of application of the key notions mentioned above; together with explicit recognition of the Universal Priors in the Foundations of a science or of systems thinking; along with the discipline, steering, and organization provided by measuring the science against the Domain of Science Model; it becomes feasible to upgrade substantially the quality of systems thinking, of science, and of applications of science.