International Society for the Systems Sciences: Journals ISSS
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There are Systems and Systems: Towards an Integrated General Systems Theory
No full textThis paper provides an overview of key concepts of Biomatrix Systems Theory and a framework for classifying systemic methodologies by means of mind-maps.
The theory was co-developed by the Biomatrix Research Group in an interdisciplinary PhD programme at the University Cape Town, South Africa with the aim of co-producing an integrated trans-disciplinary systems theory.
We suggest that the concept of the biomatrix and its different types of systems can be the foundation on which an integrated General Systems Theory can be further developed.
Those concepts and some others are briefly described in the paper and illustrated with graphics
Exploring Similarities between General Systems: Concepts, Properties and Implications
No full textSimilarity phenomena are ubiquitous. From nature to social organizations, from biology to human behavior, various similarities exist. How should we define the essential similarity behind these phenomena? What are the properties of similarity? How to make use of similarity and what should be grasped in the application of similarity? Understanding similarity offers insights into both theoretical and practical aspects of systems. Exploring similarity helps us grasp universal principles and commonalities among different entities. Furthermore, examining similarities across different systems can yield valuable insights and experiences, facilitating system regulation from a similarity-based perspective. Therefore, studying the similarity behind phenomena not only deepens our understanding of the world but also offers critical support and guidance for solving practical problems. Similarity refers to the comparative relationship attribute where two or more entities exhibit a certain degree of likeness in specific aspects (attributes or laws). The denotation of similarity can encompass entities and phenomena across all fields and levels of both natural and artificial systems. Similarity is characterized by systematicity, comparability, hierarchy, degree, dynamism, adaptability, causality, and relativity. This study proposes regulating systems from a similarity perspective, controlling the degree of similarity to ensure that system structures and functions meet expectations, which provides significant insights. Finally, this paper presents application studies of system similarity in multiple fields. Overall, this study helps reveal the universal principles and fundamental laws of similarity between general systems, promoting the interdisciplinary development of system science and the application and practice of solving complex problems
COMPREHENSIVE MULTI-ENVIRONMENT OPERATIONAL DESIGN DOMAIN TAXONOMY FOR INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS SAFETY DESIGN
No full textIn designing and deploying safety-critical intelligent systems, understanding and defining the operational environment are pivotal for ensuring the system's reliability and robustness. This paper introduces a comprehensive framework for a meticulous Operational Design Domain taxonomy process tailored to Intelligent Systems (IS) design and verification, particularly those integrating machine learning components and dataset development. The process systematically identifies and categorises environmental conditions—from natural lighting and weather to infrastructural and cultural variations—influencing the system's operational efficacy. The taxonomy considers air and land environments (extendable for sea and space in the future). The methodology begins by enumerating environmental aspects that an intelligent system must recognise and adapt to, especially when operating in complex areas. Then, it includes manmade ecosystem features. Each environmental parameter is meticulously defined to cover the range of variability and incorporated into a structured grading system (Grade A to E), which classifies environments from ideal to extremely challenging based on criteria such as lighting, weather conditions, and geographical features
AN APPLICATION OF AL-RABBANI PHILOSOPHY IN SCIENCE: HUMAN’S SENTIENT COGNITIVE ORGANISM INTELLIGENCE IMPACT ON ANTHROPOCENE CHAOS
No full textWe appreciate the impact of how the mentality behind humans' cognitive inference methods and interpretation of perceived information on addressing the chaotic effects of the Anthropocene era. Our research, deeply influenced by Al-Rabbani's philosophy, explores the hypothesis that enhancing individual human awareness of the type of purpose (that they are pursuing) behind their semantic inference processes could serve as a critical intervention point to address the enormous, complex global challenges of the Anthropocene. The study proposes a potential framework for understanding human cognitive processes as systems of communicating living cells capable of learning and functioning as sentient entities. The study's concepts are not just influenced, but enriched by Al-Rabbani's philosophy, offering a novel perspective on the relationship between the human mind and the natural universe. We hypothesise the presence of a singular cognitive process (we view cognitive processes as living organisms) in the human intelligence system that rules over and uses all cognitive processes in the brain. We call it “Al-Fitrah” or “the Sentient Sole Cognitive Organism”. By exploring the interaction of these cognitive organisms with inferred meanings, the model aims to uncover methods that can optimise decision-making and foster global harmony. Part of this hypothesis is supported by the extensive literature on societal influence, personal perception, cognitive frameworks, mental models, predictive thinking, and metacognitive methods
Reflections on Interactions in Systems
No full textThere are two ways the interactions of the elements, or parts, of a system are important. First, interactions are a basic part of the definition of a system. This chapter discusses the many roles that interactions may play in the system. Among these roles is a mechanism for the system to achieve its role as a system, namely its purpose, which is the objective of the entire system and is more than the sum of the objectives of the individual parts. Second, other roles include the ability of the elements to achieve synergy among the various other elements. This synergy serves to enable the system to achieve the level of holism needed to qualify as a true system
AIC-BASED UNFORESEEN EMERGENT SCENARIOS (BLACK SWAN EVENTS) DISCOVERY METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS SAFETY DESIGN
No full textThis paper presents a new approach to enhancing the safety design of autonomous systems by applying systems science in identifying autonomous systems-related Unforeseen Emergent Scenarios (Black Swan events)—unexpected situations requiring critical decisions. Building on the AIC (Appreciation, Influence, Control) systems approach, this research incorporates a perspective shift to better analyse potential system failures in complex environments. The study introduces a systems thinking method with an AIC-based Chain-of-Thought (CoT) technique, which helps architects predict and analyse autonomous unforeseen behaviours that could lead to failures. By altering the type and direction of AIC interactions, architects can improve their predictive capabilities and prepare for complex interactions that traditional methods may overlook. The result is a list of Unforeseen Emergent Scenarios that can inform additional safety requirements, laying a strong foundation for designing safer autonomous systems
MULTISPECIES APARTHEID: SYSTEMIC METALOGUES AND PRAXIS WITH INDIGENOUS AND NON-INDIGENOUS LEADERS ON MULTISPECIES RELATIONSHIPS AND PROCESS
No full textAbstract
The aim of the paper is to reflect on experiential learning with indigenous knowledge holders in a range of contexts as an antidote to species apartheid and apartheid in the arts and sciences . Balancing individualism and collectivism requires an evolutionary approach through respectful dialogue and changing the way in which we relate to living systems. This has implications for the way we ‘do’ the sciences and the way in which we engage with one another and other species. The paper reflects on relationships with human beings and the many forms of life on which we are co-dependent as hybrid species. It is time to change the way in which we do science. It needs to be more intersubjective in order to test out ideas and to make a difference together .
The forthcoming volume xxxxxxxxx is rooted in community contexts where members of our transboundary community of practice work to co-create good will through setting up local hubs that make a difference. The process, medium and the message are linked to and extend Marshall McLuhan’s phrase .
New science needs to engage with those who have lived experience. Instead of doing research on we need to do research with co-creators to enable ‘conscious evolution’ to use Banathy’s term This book uses co-authorship through mixed methods using story telling , participatory action research, Zoom to link us across spaces and places and the innovative use of ICT. We build our collaborative writing through a form of metalogue to ensure that we avoid ventriloquy – speaking for others and talking over others. Together we strive to learn from one another across cultures and disciplines to redress Species Apartheid
SYSTEMIC EXPLORATION: A METALOGUE ON WATER GOVERNANCE IN JAKARTA AND ENVIRONS
No full textIn this metalogue we discuss the shared aim of a community of practice led by the second author which is to move from siloed water management to systemic governance to protect biodiversity and the sources of water. The paper reflects on ways forward to address water insecurity associated with climate change and governance challenges in West Java within the broader regional context. Our twofold focus is:
Firstly, on the systemic governance of water from upstream villages at risk of de-forestation , ground water loss and risk to food security, to the plains of Jakarta where the urban poor live on the banks of flood plains, to the coast where mangroves are at risk of deforestation increasing flood risks, storm surges and loss of habitat for multiple species.
Secondly, we focus on ways to link the systemic governance of water with a circular green economy to foster engagement spanning upstream villages , midstream flood plains to coastal villages and marine environments. Water security is more than the management of water provision , it is about protecting the sources of water. This is a critical systemic case study led by the second author discusses the implications for social and environmental justice with a focus on Jakarta where water is provided by a public private partnership.
The issues we explore are access, availability and accountability within the context of systemic social, economic and environmental biodiversity challenges. We also raise the potential of undertaking multi stakeholder engagement and the creation of a multi- stakeholder co-operative that could be scaled up with communities in line with the one village many enterprises approach adapted from the past President Jakowi’s approach.
The water governance issue is systemic and demands policy networking instead of conflicting policies. The exploratory case studies make the case that government, NGOs, small to medium enterprises need to work together to support the circular green economy through incentives.
 
Circular Learning Process For Entrepreneurial Innovation Ecosystem
No full textIntroduction:
This research introduced a discussion with emergent modeling for systemic learning process using a case study based on the World Music School (WMS), an NGO (non-governmental organization) that has taught music and organized events around dance and music as an inclusive learning process and connectivity enhancer. This research is an extension to previously published research relating to the WMS. Previous study has made discussions around community resilience as key a contribution towards the social ecological system, extrapolating how community resilience was nurtured by systemic learning process during inter-organizational collaborations.
Problem:
This research contributed a synthesized framework that linked community resilience with circular ecosystem, emphasizing the analogy between the emerging characteristics of community resilience and the unique elements of a circular ecosystem. It tackled the research question of how circularity was enabled within an Entrepreneurial Innovation Ecosystem, fostering social sustainability.
Methodology:
The methodological approach of this research involves academic literature, fieldwork observation and in-depth discussion with multiple agents and stakeholders including community and research groups.
Results:
This research identified fundamental insights that have defined the resilience of a community to a paradigm shift: the transition from linear to circular production on social aspects of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. The framework being presented, has defined the different shock levels and mechanisms along the micro, meso and macro level of longitudinal impact regarding the three categories of community resilience, respectively initiatives, emerging qualities and longitudinal impact. Through the multi-level perspective framework, the community resilience insights can be extrapolated to the Entrepreneurial Innovation Ecosystem implementation. It contributed to minimizing the theoretical and empirical research gap regarding the social aspect of circular ecosystem, it exposed the unique nexus of the structured entrepreneurial circular ecosystem and community resilience. The observation of this case study suggested that social sustainability can be achieved through the circularity of an Entrepreneurial Innovation Ecosystem
RESPONSIBILITY TO HEED THE CALL THROUGH A COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE: THE INFLUENCE OF INDIGENOUS WISDOM
No full textThe paper is in the form of a metalogue with the participants of a community of practice. Together we reflect on what it means to heed the call of the earth from Indigenous custodians of sacred rivers and forests in the Vhembe district in Venda, South Africa. The lead author is also the facilitator of a network and hub to inspire transformation in Venda. We discuss the expansion of an organisational network, which involves organic farmers, trainers from an international organic farmers organisation; and community engaged university-aligned researchers, who have all made a difference to food security in Venḓa. This is achieved through joining a community of practice which expands on indigenous knowledge networks. We show how an agroecology approach resonates with indigenous ways of knowing and that mutually enriching learning through using a metalogue approach enables systemic praxis (where people in their thinking and practice recognise their connectedness with one another and with the more-than-human-world). Our focus is on zero hunger and poverty and the importance of water and soil security.