3DN whole system design
Whole System Design
- Whole System Design is based on understanding that all things exist as a result of a set of relationships. Which brings up the question of whether the world is composed of objects or sets of relationships. When we look at objects we can say this is objective reality - what is all this about relationships.
- But, if we look at how the object came to be, there is a pattern of relationships necessary for that object's existence. And this is true for all existing objects - that without these other things existing that object cannot exist or - in reverse - nothing exists except for its relationships in the System as a Whole. The gazelle cannot exist without the grass and the lion cannot exist without the gazelle.
- Whole System Design is about the power to change reality by changing the set of relationships that create objective reality. Humans do this all the time - mostly unconsciously - as when we cause the extinction of species through habitat destruction. For purposes of discussion we can call that - actions that decrease complexity (downward spirals). It is also possible for humans to create new relationships in ways that increase complexity creating upward spirals - and changing objective reality for the better.
- To feed ourselves, we will need to come to an understanding that the biological potential of the planet is based on a complex set of relationships beginning and ending with the smallest of creatures that decompose dead tissue and recycle it to become the basis of the food chain. There is some very interesting work in this area such as that at the Zero Emissions Research Institute [1].
- To prevent ourselves from killing each other, we will need to come to understand that the human potential of the planet is being lost through a lack of complexity in our set of relationships - both with each other and with nature. Hence the necessity to design systems of production in which everyone can participate - thereby eliminating poverty - and that increase biological diversity rather than diminish it - thereby healing nature.
- Objective reality would tell us that what I have just asked for is impossible - we cannot arrange the objects in such a way. I am saying that it is possible but we would not be rearranging objects, we would be creating new relationships that result in the reality of additional objects.
- And deciding what those new relationships need to look like is Whole System Design. See: Examples of Systems of Integrated Production
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