USEFULNESS
Charles François (2004). USEFULNESS, International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(2): 3698.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 3698 ▶ |
| Object type | General information |
That which can changes a situation in an advantageous manner.
Such a definition is obviously ambiguous: what should be advantageous is a matter of criteria. Moreover, a wide variety of criteria could be considered: economical, social, technical, etc…, or personal, groupal or general.
In accordance with different criteria, decision makers may find it difficult to make a globally satisfactory choice between different useful, but sometimes irreconciliable options.
Finally usefulness in systemic terms should by judged according to the vantage to the system in general (global optimization, long-term survival), and the maintenance of its supporting environment. Such judgment can be reached only by an integrated systemic approach.