1.2 How complexity hides in systems
1.2 How complexity hides in systems
Key points
- We each construct our own representations of the world we live in and the relationships that exist between the elements. These are called “mental models”.
- We have difficulty building mental models of complex situations.
- Analysis involves reducing complex phenomena into their component parts, studying each part individually and then adding up our understanding of all individual parts to form an understanding of the whole.
- A system is a collection of parts which interact with each other to function as a whole.
- Systems theory emerged in the early 20th century as a response to a growing number of problems that were proving difficult to solve using traditional analytical techniques.
1. Watch the video
2. Study the lesson readings
Analysis vs synthesis. Synthesis is a sister method to analysis that involves using a systems approach to study complex situations. It does not replace analysis. Both approaches are complementary. This short text compares them and explains when each method is appropriate.
Additional materials
- Bonus video : Russell Ackoff on analytical and systems thinking (part 1) and analytical and systems thinking (part 2) : An entertaining presentation by a pioneer of the systems movement.
- Video sources and bibliography : The web sites, attributions and sources cited in the video “How complexity hides in systems”.
- The video transcript.