Journal Article10.1080/03081078508934877
Social systems theory and practice: the need for a critical approach
183
TL;DR: There is a need for a more radical and critical approach to producing and verifying social systems science methods which are more appropriate for use in relation to one large class of social systems.
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Abstract: Much of the success of science in explaining, predicting and controlling natural systems can be attributed to the well understood methods that exist for producing and testing theory in the natural sciences. The successful development of social systems science is similarly likely to depend on the elucidation of methods of inquiry suitable to the systems of its concern. Unfortunately the successful methods employed by natural scientists cannot be simply taken over and used in social systems science. Systems scientists who attempt this, risk operating with wholly inappropriate tools when dealing with social systems. Alternative methods of inquiry have been developed in the “soft” systems tradition which are more appropriate for use in relation to one large class of social systems. However, there are many social systems for which even these soft systems approaches are inappropriate. For such social systems there is a need for a more radical and critical approach to producing and verifying social systems scien...
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Citations
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Systems thinking, systems practice, and practical philosophy: A program of research
Werner Ulrich
- 01 Jun 1988
TL;DR: In this article, a three-level framework of rational systems practice is proposed as a point of departure for a program of research on rational practice in systems practice, and the authors argue that building the bridge between the two traditions of systems thinking and practical philosophy is a key challenge to be faced by the systems community.
182
References
Some Further Comments on the Social Responsibility of Operational Research
TL;DR: If OR is to accept a "human" ideology or principle, it seems the authors' methods must always be set firmly in a mental background of wanting to help people in a human way leading to human and not mechanical relationships.
26
An Interactive View of Rationality
TL;DR: The authors suggested that researchers are better off attributing rationality to others and trying to uncover the model(s) of the others because it leads to better understanding of them and an increased ability to serve them.
22
Operations Research as a Profession
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a critical overview of the profession of operations research, primarily to assess its educational base, not just in colleges and universities, but in the overall program of learning: in meetings, journals and informal discussions.