Qualitative Systems Thinking

Abstract

This paper explains the philosophy and formalism behind General Systematics, illustrates the first eight systems in relation to the design of a sustainable democracy and then develops some diagnostics of our current shortfall from such a sustainable democracy. Aspects of well known systems thinking approaches are summarised as a way of positioning systematics ias a qualitaitve approach. Systematics enables multi-perspective thinking through different orders of system from simple to complex. The scheme of n-term systems referred to as monad, dyad, triad, tetrad etc oup to duodecad is outlined. The illustration of applying this to designing a sustainable democracy shows its relevance for eliciting holistic and cross-disciplinary perspectives in the area of socio-technical messes. Systematics as an appreciative system enables a more inclusive, cross-disciplinary and holistic understanding to be discussed.