ENGINEER OR ORACLE? (SD/ST viewed from the System-Thinking-Activity Approach)

摘要

This paper distinguishes between System Dynamics (SD) and Systems Thinking (ST).In order to discuss the similarities / differences and reciprocal functions a meta-positionis necessary. It is suggested that such a position exists in another-culture paradigm, i.e.in the System-Thinking-Activity (STA) approach, elaborated by the MoscowMethodological Circle (MMC). STA schemes are used to describe the sense of ST, asit is understood in SD. Using the STA approach, the problem solver is more an engineerthan the SD analyst who could be described as an oracle. Indicating a number of basicmethodological difficulties in the modern development of ST, the paper proposes aThinking-Activity Theory as an ontological foundation for SD/ST. The Activity-Organisational Games (AOG) method is considered as a way of analysing problemsituations and of problems solving. It is suggested that the assimilation of STAexperience by SD/ST could have many other significant consequences.