INERTIA
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1644 ▶ |
| Object type | General information |
Resistance to change.
Most systems possess their characteristic inertia, which can be physical, chemical, ecological, psychological, economical, or socio-cultural.
This property corresponds to the existence of thresholds of stability under which no decisive change can take place. Even simple adaptation is frequently met with long inertial resistance.
Inertia seems to correspond to the presence of negative feedbacks that are able to maintain stability as long as they count with reserves to compensate deviations.
Unheeded inertia can lead to a false appreciation of the adaptation possibilities of a system. Conversely, to believe uncritically in inertia, especially of ecosystems and sociosystems, may well induce a false belief in inherent stability of the same.