1. Theme: Systems Thinking and Science
Focus question: Is the function of systems thinking to be (i) a science, or (ii) a complement to science?
Time
Activity
Role(s)
6:15
Self-introductions (15 seconds each)
Who am I?
Which affiliations do I have that might be relevant to systems thinking?
How did I come to systems thinking?
All
6:30
The pre-reading (as an entry point)
What did the original author say?
Reviewer: David Ing
6:45
Commentary
Amplifications? Criticisms?
#1: Antony Upward
#2: Allenna Leonard
7:05
Discussion breakouts
Break out in groups of 6 to 10 people, to improve active communications
Identify a spokesperson who will summarize the group findings
Respond to the question: "Is the function of systems thinking to be (i) a science or (ii) a complement to science?"
Parallel breakout groups of 6 to 10 people
7:35
Reports on discussion (each group)
Spokespersons
7:50
Double loop learning: Revisions in meeting format?
Suggestions welcomed
8:00
Adjourn
Walk to Baldwin Street (north on McCaul Street, 0.5 km, (Hana Korea at 45 Baldwin, reservation for 8:15 p.m. confirmed under David Ing)
Continue discussion over dinner and/or drinks.
No host
Bloggers are encouraged to write about their learning and experiences at the meeting.
Next: “Systems Thinking and Future Studies”, February 21, 2013
Systems Thinking Ontario
January 17, 2013

2. General System Theory: The Skeleton of Science (Boulding, 1956)
Two possible approaches to organization of general systems theory suggest themselves, which are to be thought of as complementary rather than competitive, or at least as two roads each of which is worth exploring.
The first approach is to look over the empirical universe and pick out certain general phenomena which are found in many different disciplines, and to seek to build up general theoretical models relevant to those phenomena.
The second approach is to arrange the empirical fields in a hierarchy of complexity of organization of their basic “individual” or unit of behavior, and try to develop an abstraction appropriate to each.
Systems Thinking Ontario
January 17, 2013

3. General System Theory: The Skeleton of Science (Boulding, 1956)
Two possible approaches
The first approach ... pick out certain general phenomena ...
The second approach ... in a hierarchy of complexity of organization ...
Some examples of the first approach ....
… the interaction of population can be discussed in terms of competitive, complementary or parasitic relationships ...
… “behavior” of each individual is “explained” by the structure and arrange of the lower individuals of which it is composed, or by certain principles of equilibrium or homeostasis according to which “states” of the individual are “preferred”.
Some growth phenomena can be dealt with in terms of relatively simple population models At the more complex levels, structural problems become dominant and the complex interrelationships between growth and form are the focus of interest.
Communication and information processes … are unquestionably essential in the development of organization, both in the biological and social world.
… may ultimately lead to something like a general field theory of dynamics and interaction.
This, however, is a long way ahead.
Systems Thinking Ontario
January 17, 2013

4. General System Theory: The Skeleton of Science (Boulding, 1956)
Two possible approaches
The first approach ... pick out certain general phenomena ...
The second approach ... in a hierarchy of complexity of organization ...
… more systematic, leading to a “system of systems”.
(I) … first level … static structure … level of frameworks.
(ii) … simple dynamic system with predetermined, necessary motions … level of clockworks.
(iii) … control mechanism or cybernetic system … level of the thermostat.
(iv) … “open system,” or self-maintaining structure … life begins to differentiate itself from not-life … level of the cell.
(v) … genetic-societal level … typified by the plant.
(vi) … “animal” level, characterized by increased mobility, teleological behaviour and self-awareness.
(vii) … “human” level … self-consciousness … different from mere awareness.
(viii) … symbolic images and behavior based on them … social organization.
(ix) … transcendental systems … ultimates and absolutes and the inescapable unknowables ...
One advantage … it gives us some idea of the present gaps in both theoretical and empirical knowledge.
Systems Thinking Ontario
January 17, 2013