Ways of Thinking

Question 1

What is Logical Thinking?

Answer 1

• Generalisation: Premise which is assumed to be true. From this there is a conclusion.

1. *Objective
2. Necessary that the conclusion always follows logically from the premise.
3. The structure of this thinking is sequential.

Question 2

What is Casual Thinking?

Answer 2

A way of linking of thinking events or activities together.
1. Objective
2. Conclusion follows logically from the premise.
3. Structure.

Question 3

What is Systems Thinking?

Answer 3

A network or combination of interacting and interrelated elements that are linked together in a way that forms a collective unit.
1. Complexity (Factors, causes and consequences)
2. Interconnections (Positive and negative feedback)
3. Emergent properties (Aspects of a system that arise from the interaction between the parts)
4. Unpredictability (Small changes in one part of a system can generate unintended consequences)
5. Involvement of many interested parties.

Example: Deep water horizon. Gulf of Mexico is an ecosystem, the deep water horizon can be seen as an engineering system, the food supply chain can be seen as a social system.

Question 4

What is Resiliency of a System?

Answer 4

Capacity of a system to absorb or recover from a disturbance.
This is a property of system.

Question 5

What are the different Earth Systems?

Answer 5

1. Planetary Systems: Climate and Oceanic System
2. Earth System is Self Regulating System (Gaia and Daisy World)
3. Social Systems: Political, Communications, Transport, Trade Systems
4. Ecosystems are interconnected to Social Systems.