An alternative approach is to start from current practices, and look to see how they might evolve. Going from potential future to current state, and from current state to potential futures are both philosophical stances that can and should be embraced in a systems approach.
Systems are human constructs. Systems are bounded (albeit open) domains within the larger definition of the world. We change the world by working within systems over which we have control … and hope that we might influence other systems who are interested in like-minded change.
I find labelling potential participants who I might engage in a dialogue as ”stupid” a deterrent to joint future engagement. My attitude (primarily in work situations) presumes that people are smart (i.e. even if I don’t agree with their actions, they’re smart enough to hold onto positions and not get fired!) This doesn’t mean that the actions of a group of smart people won’t add up to a collective dysfunctional system. Creating a better joint future presents the issue of designing new directions and boundaries that will change behaviours at individual levels, towards collective improvement.
@timo In your Architecture, Sustainability and Systems Thinkingessay, you’ve taken an idealist approach, i.e. you start from a proscribed future and approach the present with a critical eye.
An alternative approach is to start from current practices, and look to see how they might evolve. Going from potential future to current state, and from current state to potential futures are both philosophical stances that can and should be embraced in a systems approach.
Systems are human constructs. Systems are bounded (albeit open) domains within the larger definition of the world. We change the world by working within systems over which we have control … and hope that we might influence other systems who are interested in like-minded change.
I find labelling potential participants who I might engage in a dialogue as ”stupid” a deterrent to joint future engagement. My attitude (primarily in work situations) presumes that people are smart (i.e. even if I don’t agree with their actions, they’re smart enough to hold onto positions and not get fired!) This doesn’t mean that the actions of a group of smart people won’t add up to a collective dysfunctional system. Creating a better joint future presents the issue of designing new directions and boundaries that will change behaviours at individual levels, towards collective improvement.