week 1: systems Flashcards
definition of a system
- a regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole.
- an organized set of doctrines, ideas, or principles usually intended to explain the arrangement or working of a systematic whole.
interdependencies
the dependence of two or more people or things on each other.
Utility
“The ‘principle of utility’ is the principle that actions are to be judged by their usefulness in this sense: their tendency to produce benefit, advantage, pleasure, good, or happiness.”
Common good
creating utility for both individuals and society
Strong values
are frequently cited and achieved, such as meeting service demand, reducing pollution, and improving safety.
Wishful values
are often cited but rarely achieved, like improving equity or conserving resources.
Weak values
are frequently cited but difficult to measure or achieve, such as increasing social stability or diversity.
Hidden values
are fervently desired but less often articulated, such as maintaining political control or making a profit.
neglected values
are not commonly considered in policy-making but may be important, such as the fit of environment to human biology or the quality of sensory experience.
Biospheric Values
Concern for the quality of nature and the environment.
Altruistic Values
Concern for the welfare of other human beings
Egoistic Values
Reflect costs and benefits affecting individual resources.
Hedonic Values
Concern with improving one’s feelings and reducing effort.
automated behavior
reflexes, automated/hardwired
conscious behavior
requires thought, effort, consideration
