ECOLOGY of KNOWLEDGE
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1008 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Epistemology, ontology or semantics |
- “The study of patterns of interrelationships among the various ”species“ (subsystems, sub-subsystems, etc.) and fields and subfields of knowledge with emphasis on:
a) preserving the condition of dynamic balance between the “species” and their environment; and b) optimizing the overall symbiotic fruits of synergistic interactions among them“ (J.W. CLARK, 1972, p.168)
CLARK proposed a curriculum in “General ecology of knowledge” divided as follows in five sections, including among other subjects:
A. Systems Education Studies
Systems approaches;… simulation;… systems management;… game theory;… forecasting methods and operations research.
B. Basic Integrated Studies
General cybernetics;… eco-cybernetics;… meta- tools;… meta-skills;… metalanguages;… general ecology of knowledge
C. Global Design Heuristics
Heuristic forecasting;. synergetics;… synectics;… pattern recognition…
D. Heuristic Meta-Policy Studies
The anatomy of meta-policy;… the anatomy of change;… Psychology of mass movements;… systems of signals and incentives;… games for global involvement;… the dynamics of feedback and reinforcement…
E. Meta-Policy Sciences
Behavioral sciences and general systems perspectives;… designing and evaluating alternative futures;… integrative workshops
For the discussed complete program, see reference (p.165-180).
This proposal, made in 1972, does not seem to have been seriously debated and, still less, applied anywhere. The institution of interfaculties programs of this type would possibly be the only way to seriously expand the systemic approach and methods.