Qualitative Systems Thinking

Authors

  • Anthony Malcolm Hodgson Decision Integrity Limited

Keywords:

general systematics, appreciative systems, inquiry systems, isomorphism, complexity, connectedness, science of qualities, socio-technical messes, cross-disciplinary, n-term systems, monad, dyad, tetrad, pentad, hexad, septad, octad, sustainability, via

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.

Author Biography

Anthony Malcolm Hodgson, Decision Integrity Limited

Director

Published

2006-06-23

How to Cite

Hodgson, A. M. (2006). Qualitative Systems Thinking. Proceedings of the 50th Annual Meeting of the ISSS - 2006, Sonoma, CA, USA. Retrieved from https://journals.isss.org/index.php/proceedings50th/article/view/323

Issue

Section

General Theory of Systems