Subject: Do We Want to Talk about the

Posted by Jay W. Forrester on 2/17/2006
In Reply To:Do We Want to Talk about the Posted by John Gunkler on 2/9/2006

Message:

John Gunkler wrote:
Once we get beyond simple (first-order, one-stock) feedback loops, the behavior can be much more complex. For example, in oscillatory behavior modes there is certainly change occurring, but we may have difficulty ascribing a "goal" to the system. The way to save "goal-seeking" language here is to accept the idea that the "goal" is to achieve oscillations of a certain frequency and amplitude.


I believe that one should not speak of a "goal" of a system because there is no point where the idea of a system-wide goal is located. Instead, the goal, explicit or implicit, is in each policy determining a flow. A system therefore contains many local goals which interact to create system behavior. A company that is losing market share and incurring losses does not have that behavior as a goal, instead the troubles are a result of inappropriate goals at many points where flows of information, goods, people, and money are taking place.

Follow Ups:

Do We Want to Talk about the - Ashis Sen 2/25/2006 
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