Subject: Loop of the Week

Posted by Elisabeth Roberts on 11/5/2003
In Reply To:Loop of the Week Posted by Della Robertson on 11/4/2003

Message:

This is a stimulating conversation. As I learn more about systems dynamics and look at the different representations used, its becoming clear that we are using the same representation (drawing of a loop closing back on itself, moving in one direction) to represent a multitude of processes, from social revolutions to the cycling of matter. Is the hydrological cycle really a feedback process? ,(I was taught that loops represent feedback processes, perhaps I misunderstand). How much of our understanding of the representations of systems (stocks and flows, feedback loops) is tied to/grounded in our concrete understanding of the processes they represent? We assume systems dynamics is a universal "language" but we develop understanding in specific content areas.
Anyone have thoughts about this?
Elisabeth Roberts
Tucson