INQUIRY SYSTEM
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1715 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Epistemology, ontology or semantics |
- “A system of interrelated components for producing knowledge on a problem or issue of importance” (I.I. MITROFF and H.A. LINSTONE, 1993, p.29).
This definition is adapted from C. WEST CHURCHMAN (1971), who described the evolution of the concept of inquiry system from LEIBNIZ to SINGER and proposed his own synthesis, within the frame of a wide epistemological analysis.
CHURCHMAN's views have deeply influenced the following generation of systemists interested in inquiry and inquiring systems.
MITROFF and LINSTONE make the following points:
- “First, every I.S. has or accepts, distinctive inputs from the ”outside world“… The inputs that a particular I.S. recognizes as legitimate are not necessarily recognizable by other I.S.'s…
- “Second, different I.S.'s employ different kind of operators (i.e.) the mechanism that operates or works on the basic inputs to transform them into the final output of the system, or knowledge…
- “Third, the output of an I.S. is what the system regards as a valid knowledge for action on an issue of importance
- “Fourth, the most critical component is known as the guarantor…, the component guaranteeing the operation of the entire I.S. itself” (p.30).
These statements imply that any I.S. is based on criteria defined by the inquirer or, in other words, is based on definitory subjective appreciations. This is unavoidable, but rarely perceived. Methods to clarify those criteria should always be used (See for example J.van GIGCH's meta-levels, J. WARFIELD's methodology to manage “spreadthink” (i.e. seek consensus when facing widely divergent opinions) and G. de ZEEUW's invisibility).
Note: Most authors do not seem to make a distinction between “inquiry” and “inquiring” systems. In some cases, “inquiring” systems could be compared with H.von FOERSTER \term“{observing” systems}.