Subject: Systems Thinking

Posted by Philip Abode on 8/31/2006
In Reply To:Systems Thinking Posted by Ashis Sen on 8/31/2006

Message:

I am sometimes a little confused by systems thinking discussions. By definition, a system comprising two or more parts working together to accomplish common purpose, Is it not? I am not sure I understand the idea that structure determines behavior. From my physiology background, I know structure constrains or limits behavior. The idea of feedback loops is clear enough in that since systems are driven toward their purpose, they have devices or sensors that collect intelligence and feed them back to the system for corrective action. In various parts of our body are receptors that pick up thermal, chemical, pressure signals that are sent to appropriate centers for evaluation against thresholds. When there is need, these centers send out signals to appropriate parts of the system for action. Is this systems thinking or what?

Philip

Follow Ups:

Systems Thinking - Bill Braun 9/1/2006 
Systems Thinking - Helder Leal da Costa 9/4/2006
Systems Thinking - Ashis Sen 9/4/2006
Systems Thinking - Marcus J Williams 9/1/2006 
Systems Thinking - Joe Rimback 9/4/2006
Systems Thinking - Bill Braun 9/1/2006