Systems Knowledge

As we begin to go more indepth, let us consider the systems approach we will be taking here. The study of systems can follow two general approaches. A cross-sectional approach deals with the interaction between two system, while a developmental approach deals with the changes in a system over time.

I am approaching this from another perspective: a descriptive view in contrast to a prescriptive view. The prescriptive explores how we can use what we learn about systems to enable us to develop effective systems. This is the basis of Organizational Theory. Though unsaid, the assumption is that humans have developed as they should as a species. My descriptive approach does not make that assumption. In fact, I accept that fact that the problems we are experiencing as a system are indicative of the fact that something went wrong in the development of the human race, in the same way that a human being's development may be stilted.

Unlike other species that are hardwired to respond appropriately to external stimuli the human species arrived in the same tabula rasa condition that human infants are born. That is actually the foundation of what we call human intelligence.

We will explore this more in the future.