A Whole Systems Approach, Part 01/14: The Zen of a Whole Systems Approach

NOTE: This is a fourteen (14) part series written by Ed Brimmer. I'm reposting his series here, with his permission. For all posts in the series, click here. Thanks for visiting! Lou Hayes, Jr. 


A Theorem is a general proposition not self-evident but proved by a chain of reasoning; a truth established by means of accepted truths. Can we find the chain of reasoning & accepted truths which proves the Conant-Ashby Theorem? In butterfly analogies and Ackoff terms, I believe we can. The Complex processes of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly requires a struggle getting out of the small hole of the cocoon in order to push fluids from the body into the wings or else the wings will be shriveled for life. If we interupt that process, by believing we can help it get out of its cocoon, we've caused harm to it. The analogy of the butterfly to understand the Conant-Ashby theorem is what Ackoff is also saying in his zen like whole system terms. It takes acceptance of these truths to prove the Conant-Ashby Theorem for yourself. I can't do that for you. You have to do the accepting yourself.

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 This is the first part in the series.

 To advance to the next Part 02, click here.

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Author: Ed Brimmer. Biography coming soon.

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