International Society for the Systems Sciences: Journals ISSS
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What drives the Systems? From Conatus to Dynamics －Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza, Leibniz, and Kant
No full text I will highlight the concepts of conatus and dynamics in Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza, Leibniz, and Kant. These philosophers’ ideas are sometimes referred to as precursors of modern systems theories, or cybernetics. First, I will analyse the idea of conatus in Hobbes’s theory, comparing it with those of Descartes and Spinoza. For Hobbes, conatus is motion through the length of a point and a small beginning, which causes interaction between matter. All natural and social systems then begin to move automatically. Conatus is thus just a trigger of motion. After I discuss the transition from the notion of conatus to that of dynamics in Leibniz’s thought, I will illuminate Kant’s in both his pre-Critical and mature philosophical works. His idea is that the soul has a dynamical relation with the body, making it the prime power to move the body. Kant then examines the phenomena of the world from this viewpoint of dynamical interrelation. Thus, it lies behind the systems of recognition, which is formed simultaneously with the natural and social systems, according to Kant’s philosophy. The interaction between elements in systems is essential to modern complex systems theory. I would like to say that these philosophers, especially Hobbes and Kant, are pioneers of complex systems theory
ACTIONABLE KNOWLEDGE MAPPING TO ACCELERATE INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATIONS FOR RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
No full textWith increasing calls for interdisciplinary collaboration to solve wicked complex problems there is also increasing clarity around barriers to collaboration such as differences in research methodologies and disciplinary terminologies. This paper uses a Science of Conceptual Systems (SOCS) perspective to show how theories from different disciplines may be synthesized (or integrated, depending on your preferred terminology). Brief case studies are presented to show how knowledge mapping may be used to accelerate actionable scientific understanding, interdisciplinary collaboration, student learning, and practical application leading to increasingly successful and sustainable change for improving the human condition
Slides for: Framework for Generating Trade Spaces for Complexity Allocation in Complex Systems
No full text* Submited previousl
CLINICAL SYSTEMICS: TOWARDS AN INTEGRATED FRAMEWORK AND METHODOLOGY FOR ALLEVIATING PATHOLOGIES IN COMPLEX SYSTEMS
No full textClinical systemics is a framework and methodology induced from Western medicine for the purpose of identifying and treating pathologies in complex living systems. Motivated by climate change and other significant trends in the 21st century, clinical systemics is envisioned as a means of science-based, multidisciplinary collaboration and practice not only in social-ecological systems, but in other natural and artificial living systems as well. This paper will outline the philosophical underpinnings of such a framework and methodology, provide a contextual overview of the systems and complexity science project, and will describe the features of complex living systems, health, pathology, and healing. Building on these ideas, a vision for a clinical systemic framework and methodology will be articulated by drawing on examples from the history of Western medicine. And lastly, benefits and challenges of such a framework and methodology will be identified, followed by a suggested sequence of development and implementation
A computational model for recovery from traumatic brain injury
No full textA computational simulation model calculates estimated recovery trajectories following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Prior publications include a multi-scale conceptual framework for studying concussion, a systems-level causal loop diagram (CLD) and an analysis of key feedback processes. A set of first order ordinary differential equations and their associated parameters determines recovery trajectories. The model contains 15 state variables, 73 auxiliary variables, and 50 parameters describing TBI pathology in an aggregate fashion at the cellular, network, cognitive and social levels. There are 1200 feedback loops, which give rise to a variety of behavior modes, many of which are highly nonlinear. Exogenous parameters include patient and injury characteristics, treatments, and time constants for recovery processes. Model testing has focused on reviewing the causal diagram with subject matter experts and determining sensitivity of model results to injury severity and patient characteristics, especially the time constants associated with healing/recovery processes. The model produces outcome trajectories that represent quick or slow recovery with no deficits, partial recovery, and the patient remaining indefinitely in a pathological state. While highly speculative, the model serves to demonstrate the potential utility of computational models in this context and to further discussion about the complex dynamics involved in recovery from TBI. The model also generates counterintuitive results, as is characteristic of complex systems. Much more research will be needed to create a properly supported research model that could be used or for precision medicine or to aid clinical trial design
Modes of analogy "What human cognitive abilities capture as structures from the world?"
No full textEvery new things and ideas involve any inventions inside. If people attempts to elucidate those creative abilities to make them being enable, there would be one question that people could come up with. “What human cognitive abilities capture as structures from the world?” Structualisme gave an answer to this problem through Metonymy and Metaphor. Recently those questions are relocated in analogies. However those solutions have not been reached out to concise suggestions to apply analogies to several fields in practical way due to be unclear and uncomfortable to utilize them.Analogies are generally described in these three; proportional analogies, predictive analogies and analogical problem solving in existing research on analogies. These classifications are fit to comparing results which are available to observe from outside as data, but not good enough for analogies generation processes which are ways to know human cognitive effect. By current general cognitive processes of analogies, it begins with source domain and target domain to get analogy. Then there are key effects in middle of analogies processes; retrieval, mapping and transfer. In order to make the capacity for putting analogies to practical use, it should be considered to refine the works on some key elements on cognitive processes like memories, abstraction and transfer. To those problems, this study has been approached to make an addition to types of memory by Larry Squire with ‘memory of image’ as the third memory. Therefore, in this study it is considered that most of metaphors are utilized to understand things to make them outstanding, and metonymy refers to describe things through part-whole relation. In addition, it is concerned that synecdoche based on concept hierarchy is also a class of metonymy. It attempts to formulate analogies for analogies research by categorizing analogies as working modes to find out relations. Considering these points, this paper provides 5 types of modes of analogy in the categories of metonymical and metaphorical at first, then 3 types of modes of analogy which could be located in new categories between metonymy and metaphor to give an answer to “What human cognitive abilities capture as structures from the world?”The previous study of analogies generation processes in human cognitive science has been adopted in this study to make processes more clear. In evaluating modes of analogy, ‘transfer’ which is a key element on analogies processes should be also refined. For this problem, this paper gives an attention to what things make relations on each domains; source and target. Then this paper gives two classifications to show features of relations between source and Target domains. Also, this paper provides one more kind of classification to know features from modes of analogy. According to features of existing analogies, modes of analogy could be divided in case-based analogies and no case-based analogies. Through these framings, this study found that some modes of analogy could be considered that they displays more creativity on the analogies generation processes than other modes of analogy.As a result of this achievement, this study found one unique way to capture structures by human cognitive besides metonymical and metaphorical ways. It shows relations even there is no common axis to link between things. Some part of this field were mentioned in philosophy as ‘strength’. It means human cognitive captures structures in infinity, and this is before representations. This field will be discussed in future work
Developing a systems thinking approach when it comes to developing possible solutions to climate change
No full textFew issues facing society are more urgent than reducing our vulnerability to climate impacts, preparing for the staggering transition to a low-carbon economy, and building resilient communities. Yet K-12 schools, higher education, and free-choice learning institutions are often not prepared or focused on building awareness and inspiring action to care for our communities and our planet. Through activation of nations and communities extensive education systems with comprehensive climate change education, communities can more quickly embrace a low-carbon future, inspire future leaders, showcase their cities’ adaptability, and create stronger communities. The need for comprehensive, interdisciplinary climate change education is more important now than ever before. Since 1988, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), an intergovernmental body of the United Nations, has provided the world with an objective, scientific view of climate change and its political and economic impacts. On October 8, 2018, the IPCC released the most important climate report to date. This IPCC special report, Global Warming of 1.5° C, provides insight into the collective global greenhouse gas emission choices that led to a warming of 1.5° C or higher above pre-industrial levels and serves as an urgent call to rapidly transition our global communities to low-carbon economies. It is also the first international climate report to provide a viable way to reach the goals set forth in the landmark Paris Climate Agreement to combat climate change, and accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low-carbon future. The Climate Science and Education stated in the 2009 "Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Science guide for Individuals and Communities” (USGCRP, 2009) why climate is key scientific issue that students need to address in their learning; “To protect fragile ecosystems and to build sustainable communities that are resilient to climate change— including extreme weather and climate events—a climate-literate citizenry is essential. This climate science literacy guide identifies the essential principles and fundamental concepts that individuals and communities should understand about Earth’s climate system. Such understanding improves our ability to make decisions about activities that increase vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and to take precautionary steps in our lives and livelihoods that would reduce those vulnerabilities.” The Climate Literacy Guide was used to create the climate related standards supporting the learning of more than three-quarters (84%) of U.S. students live in states that have education standards influenced by the Framework for K-12 Science Education and/or the Next Generation Science Standards. To strengthen the learning related to climate change, we need to recognize and identify learning pathways that involves the complex, dynamic systems that demand a systems thinking approach when it comes to developing possible solutions. A systems thinking approach is increasingly recognized as a critical approach for education to address climate change. Climate change epitomizes a problem that demands a systems thinking and system dynamics approach: it is dynamic, complex, and crosses disciplines and societal sectors. Addressing the impacts and societal problems resulting from climate change requires an unprecedented level of integration and education across scientific, social science, civic/government, and humanities fields. Systems thinking offers an opportunity to integrate knowledge across disciplines and move society’s capabilities to rapidly transition to a low-carbon economy and address the impacts of climate change.
Platform for (Nonlinear) System of Accounts for Global Entropy Production, SAGE-P
No full textObjective: to create an open access platform for (nonlinear) accounting algorithms enabling the construction of the LEF for any well-defined dynamical economic, social and natural systems (see Appendix I). The central idea is the seamless mapping of ordinal-valued objects/function upon any well-defined topographical domain space of the Econosphere, where values are conserved-in-exchange or prices, the Sociophere, where values are conserved-in-use or participation rates and the Ecosphere, where values are conserved-inthemselves or existential, (Friend, 2016). 2 Unique to SAGE-P is the discovery of algorithms of entailment which enables the matrix mapping of propositional logic, (i.e., qualities of the accounting objects/functions measured in ordinal values) on empirical evidence, (i.e., quantities of the accounting objects/functions measured in cardinal values). The 3 analysis of qualities permits the development of a hierarchical-structured value system: objects/functions conserved-in-existence > conserved-in-use > conserved-in-exchange. The accounts, and thus the algorithms employed, are set-theoretic nested structures
DESIGNING A POLICY RESPONSE TO POPULISM AND THE ‘WICKED’ ISSUES OF EXCLUSION, UNEMPLOYMENT , POVERTY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
No full text Paper number: 001 (Assigned by Journal editor) This paper scopes out a response to the new populism based on anger and a sense of exclusion by those left behind by a neo-liberal economy resulting in high levels of unemployment or underemployment. Unemployment has been represented as a problem associated with policy representations ranging from the most conservative to more progressive approaches, for example: lack of appropriate skills, lack of motivation, over mechanization, lack of resources, lack of will from government ,lack of capability as a result of lack of vision and imagination, inability to include diverse representations of the so-called problem and the need for transformational systemic thinking and practice to ensure integrated Blue Economy approaches within a Cascade Economy.The issue has been problematized by the left as too little too late for specific interest groups by critical spectators who no longer demonstrate alternatives, according to Rorty (1999), in ‘Achieving our Country’.The right has characterized unemployment as a lack of appropriate education or associated with poor management of resources by families, communities, schools or tertiary educators. This paper makes the case that the problem has been misrepresented by populists on the right and on the left for their own political agendas.The paper discusses wicked problems comprising many, interrelated variables that are perceived differently by different stakeholders who feel strongly about the issues. Paradoxically a solution for some can be the source of problems for others. Thus a human development approach is suggested to enable stakeholders to appreciate the nature of systemic issues and to enhance the capability of global citizens to think about the individual and collective consequences of their everyday choices, in order to protect wellbeing stocks.The approach to governance addresses the need to include the wide range of groups that are affected by policy making. The idea is that those who are affected by a policy decision should be part of the policy making process shaped by monitoring from below to protect local interests and monitoring from above in post national constellations to protect the global commons.The approach to representation detailed in ‘Planetary Passport’ is inclusive and based on testing out ideas. The policy silences and the silenced people are placed at the centre of this approach in order to foster their capabilities. The approach enables user-centric policy design based on the perceptions of what works, why and how. In this sense the mixed methods approach is non-linear and participatory. It also honours the policy environment that stresses the need for a sense of ownership of a problem and the way in which it is framed. This needs to be developed to address the challenges faced across the different age cohorts in a range of developed and developing nations to address the convergent social, economic and environmental challenges facing people living in an increasingly divided world where the haves make policy in their own interests at the expense of the majority in this generation and the next. Key words: anger, elitism, inequality, reframing, governance, economics, wellbeing stocks
TAOISM: SCIENCE-BASED CONCEPTS FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL ECO-SYSTEM
No full textIncreasing wealth disparity, polarization of discourses, move into the Anthropocene epoch, people’s migration, terrorism…are all pieces of evidence that our worldview ought to evolve quickly if we want our eco-system, our humanity to survive and to keep claiming we are the smartest species on earth. The elements of ancient Chinese wisdom like wu-wei, the power of de, and practicing meditation, echo many of the principles which have emerged in recent years, such as spiritual leadership, and are also expressed in organizational models such as Holocracy, Sociocracy, or Teal, and in economic concepts, such as enlightened capitalism, all seeking at making our world more sustainable. So, what can we learn from the school of thoughts of the Warring State period, 2,500 years old, and can this help us address the wicked problems we are facing both in the West and the East? In this article I will look specifically at Taoism through the lens of Clare Graves’s human development model. Graves defined eight levels of human consciousness, six defined as needs-based systems and two as being systems. According to Graves’s research, only when thinking at the latter two levels can we develop sustainable systems. When analyzing some key Taoists concepts through that lens, looking also through Ken Wilber’s trans fallacy concept, it is hard not to conclude that the Taoist philosophy operates at Tier 2 level and offers many keys to develop a more functional eco-system. Yet, are these Taoists assumptions and concepts plausible and viable in today’s world? Can they really support the development of a more sustainable society? To answer these questions I will look at the latest research in neuroscience and social science. Focusing on Taoism, I will look at three principles. First, the cycle of reversion, that is nothing should be taken to extremes or it will turn back to its original state, causing the opposite effect, a concept illustrated by the design of the Yin and Yang symbol. I will explore this principle through the work of Wegner on the ironic effect of conscious efforts and of Frankl on paradoxical intention therapy. Both showed that conscious pursuit of a goal often leads to missing that goal and it is what the Daodejing refers to as the quests of opposites. In any dyad, Laozi wants one to pursue the part one does not want: choose weakness rather than strength, darkness over brightness. I will then look at the research on downregulation of the prefrontal cortex to explore the validity of the state of wu-wei. The state that Laozi wants one to enter into is similar to what cognitive neuroscientist Arne Dietrich referred to as transient hypofrontality, that is, the downregulation of our prefrontal cortex. His work on the physiology of athletes being in the zone, that is, in wu-wei, showed that due to the intensity of the exercise the prefrontal cortex is literally shut down for a while, giving a sense of peacefulness, of living in the present, of flow, of oneness with nature and the universe. Reaching this state allows one to be more authentic, spontaneous. Next, I will look at the notion of categorical rigidity. Zhuangzi was very concerned by the risk presented by language. This categorical inflexibility hinders what is often referred to as divergent creativity. This human limitation has now been proven scientifically, for instance, by the work of Guilford on the development of unusual alternative task. I will finally present an environmental project showing how Taoists principles, based on system thinking, can enhance biodiversity. I will conclude that Ancient Chinese wisdom, Taoism in particular, provides very valuable elements to help humanity develop a more sustainable world.