DECISION
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 823 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Human sciences |
- “Logical operation enabling an autonomous system to act in order to reach some goal” (M. BELIS, 1987, p.57).
According to J.Z. YOUNG, decision is “the process of choosing between alternative programs of action” (1974, p.291). It implies the introduction of new constraints in order to limit choices and clearly define the chosen alternative. Of course, alternatives should be clear and, as decision is generally related to the management of systems, which require global understanding of complex situations, the systems approach is a basic tool
M. BELIS comments her definition: “This is proper to cybernetic systems, which are finalized autonomous systems” (Ibid).
Capacity of decision is an aspect of autonomy in P. VENDRYES sense, i.e. the ability of a system to regulate and control its internal states (1989, p.147).
Some systemists speak of a “decision science” which should explore the conditions of decision making. Considering the multiple historical and cultural differences, as well as the widely different situations that condition decision making, constructing such a science would be a considerable challenge.