USF Understanding
UNDERSTANDING SYSTEM FUNCTION
OUTLINE
- Nothing exists that does not depends on the existence of something else for its own existence. All things are systems and ultimately there is only one whole system.
- Value is the generic term for the flows through the system that hold everything together. We value energy, materials, nutrients, information, knowledge, wisdom, entertainment, emotional support, belonging and contributing.
- Civilization is a structure composed of bridges. We could say connections, bonds, relationships, agreements or contracts for different ways that value flows between humans. We use bridges in the sense of structure where an exchange of value between two humans creates a bridge, the volume of the exchange determines the width of the bridge and the duration of the exchange determines the strength of the bridge. Civilization is the sum total of all the bridges each of us chooses to maintain.
- Creative destruction - expanding choices - diminishing choices - increasing opportunities - decreasing opportunities - upward spirals - downward spirals. Market limitations - systems to complement the market.
- Poverty is the lack of adequate bridges for the exchange of value - the inability to produce value - excess value - waste of human potential
- Environmental degradation - permaculture - waste of biological potential
- People will live in poverty until such time as we have systems of production in which everyone can contribute value and thereby maintain adequate bridges into the value flows. The environment will be at risk until such time as humans obtain what they need and desire through systems of production that cooperate with natures processes - enhancing diversity rather than diminishing it.
- Information - knowledge - wisdom
- Growing from birth to death
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