It is no surprise that the systemic nature of humanity bears some relevance to our efforts to understand what is wrong with humanity and how we will be able to return our species to a state of normalcy. The underlying principle is the reason behind our ongoing push for specialization. An artisan is most effective when he is working in a area with which he is familiar.
What is surprising is that even though we now accept that the human race is a system we continue to exclude vital information about the behavior of systems in the myriad of efforts we have made to bring permanent, universal and lasting peace to our troubled world. Ironically, the reason for this lack in our efforts is directly related to this very issue of how systems function. It all begins with the basic definition of what a system is.
As we discussed in an earlier blog, a system is “an entity which maintains its existence through the mutual interaction of its parts.” This definition contains three important ideas about a system: 1. it is an entity, 2. it exists to maintain its existence, 3. it does so through mutual interaction of its parts.
The difficulty arises in the definition of its parts. These are not just parts. Even though the definition does not address the fact that each part of a system is also a system this is the most relevant aspect of systemic reality. The requirement that each system is only concerned with its own existence is clearly applicable to the Universe, which is the primary system. By definition there is no other system separate from the Universe whose existence it would need to maintain.
Because every individual and object within the universe is also a system each of these exists to maintain its own existence. The only time that a system would have anything to do with the existence of another system that is external to it would be if that system poses a threat to its existence.
The only condition under which one natural system would attack and threaten the existence of another would be if either system viewed the other as its enemy, whether real or imagined.
A systems level discussion on Organizational Leadership and World Peace written by:
© Darius A. Lecointe, Ph.D., J.D., M.A. Join in the discussion here or through dalecointe@gmail.com
1 comment:
Darius: a system is “an entity which maintains its existence through the mutual interaction of its parts”...The difficulty arises in the definition of its parts...The only condition under which one natural system would attack and threaten the existence of another would be if either system viewed the other as its enemy, whether real or imagined.
PhilJ: Who makes sure that mutual interaction is maintained? Obviously not the parts themselves, because communication doesn't flow from one part to another. Someone, external to the system of parts, provides each part with the information he deems necessary at all times, which hinders mutual support. Hence, the potential for internal conflict to arise, transforming each part into a potential enemy: real or imaginary. It is this separation of the parts that is called departmentalization. Darius, you are well aware of this emergent philosophy. It's been at work in our government for at least a century or so.
The system, in fact, is greater than the sum of its parts. This is how information is controlled. It is the struggle for information that creates the conflict within the system, making self-destruction an inevitable destiny ;-)
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