FUNCTION (Hidden)
Charles François (2004). FUNCTION (Hidden), International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(1): 1355.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1355 ▶ |
| Object type | General information |
A function that cannot easily be discovered and evaluated.
Complex systems may have such hidden functions, corresponding to slow or minimal processes. Many recently discovered biological and physiological regulations are of this type. Other regulations, that act at long or very long term also are difficult to discover. Plate tectonics as a geological mechanism has been an example.
In human systems, the role of values, norms and mindscapes is still widely undervalued or misunderstood, or even downright ignored, while they may produce unforeseen and sometimes violent and critical effects.