Subject: Michael Crichton on Complexity Theory and Systems Dynamics

Posted by Lees N. Stuntz on 12/19/2009
In Reply To:Michael Crichton on Complexity Theory and Systems Dynamics Posted by Eric Stiens on 12/19/2009

Message:

I, for one, enjoyed reading the Crichton essay for several reasons. First of all, his assertion that fear is a significant factor in our world today is important. I would postulate that fear mongering is one of the things that our media does the best. What a great subject for an SD model in a high school classroom! Is anyone doing anything with the fear factor and the contribution of the media? One good subject might be H1N1, if I might be so bold as to suggest it.

The second reason why I enjoyed the essay is the same one that I suggested when I sent out the MSNBC news link. System dynamics and system dynamics models are enough on the radar screen for people to be saying 1. They are too complex (MSNBC news) to give us "answers" or 2. They are not complex enough (Crichton). I think that is a better place than being ignored. It opens the door for conversation and discussion, much as this essay did.

I would love to hear how a teacher or educator (administrator) might use this essay or a similar one to stimulate a discussion about SD, or to encourage students to use the SD toolbox to assess either the concepts or the essay itself.

Take care,
Lees