Subject: Causal Loops with 'AND'

Posted by Gene Bellinger on 11/27/2009
In Reply To:Causal Loops with 'AND' Posted by Bill Braun on 11/27/2009

Message:

I became aware of Thinking in Systems by Donella H. Meadows shortly after it was published and sort of said, "Do I really need to read another introduction to Systems Thinking?" As it turns out is was a really stupid thought on my part.

While I've only fished Chapter 1, "Introduction: The Systems Lens", I'm already convinced it's a great piece of work, and here are a couple of thoughts which surfaced:

Chapter 1 would make a good introduction to Systems Thinking for almost any class, whether it was Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or even Classic Literature.

Considering the most adept manner in which the concepts were presented, using "Stock & Flow Diagrams," maybe it's time to chuck Causal Loop Diagrams all together. Stock & Flow Diagrams are far more informative, and the book provides a way of presenting them which removes all the usual confusion.

Have a great day!

Follow Ups:

Causal Loops with 'AND' - Sharon Villines 11/27/2009