Thinking in systems

[electronic resource] :, 218 pages

English language

Published July 18, 2009 by Earthscan.

ISBN:: 978-1-84977-338-6
OCLC Number:: 320908215

(1 review)

"Thinking in Systems is a concise and crucial book offering insight for problem-solving on scales ranging from the personal to the global. This essential primer brings systems thinking out of the realm of computers and equations and into the tangible world showing readers how to develop the systems-thinking skills that thought leaders across the globe consider critical for 21st-century life. While readers will learn the conceptual tools and methods of systems thinking the heart of the book is grander than methodology. Donella Meadows was known as much for nurturing positive outcomes as she was for delving into the science behind global dilemmas. She reminds readers to pay attention to what is important not just what is quantifiable to stay humble and to continue to learn. In a world growing ever more complicated crowded and interdependent Thinking in Systems helps readers avoid confusion and helplessness the first step toward finding proactive …

"Thinking in Systems is a concise and crucial book offering insight for problem-solving on scales ranging from the personal to the global. This essential primer brings systems thinking out of the realm of computers and equations and into the tangible world showing readers how to develop the systems-thinking skills that thought leaders across the globe consider critical for 21st-century life. While readers will learn the conceptual tools and methods of systems thinking the heart of the book is grander than methodology. Donella Meadows was known as much for nurturing positive outcomes as she was for delving into the science behind global dilemmas. She reminds readers to pay attention to what is important not just what is quantifiable to stay humble and to continue to learn. In a world growing ever more complicated crowded and interdependent Thinking in Systems helps readers avoid confusion and helplessness the first step toward finding proactive and effective solutions. A vital read for students professionals and all those concerned with economics business sustainability and the environment"--Provided by publisher.

2 editions

Fionnáin reviewed Thinking in systems by Donella H. Meadows

System System

2 stars

Donella Meadows is one of the 20th Century's most well known systems theorists, mostly due to her landmark book Limits to Growth. This follow-on, written in the 90s and published in 2006, is a high-level introduction to systems theory.

As a basic book on a subject, it is accessible and sometimes enjoyable. It is strongeSt when Meadows is exploring comcepts like nonlnear systems, where as a reader you can consider the implications. But the book is not well written, and uses far too many examples, sometimes contradictory ones, without useful evidence or theory. While it is refreshing to see a stance in the 90s that supports systemic change, other more recent books do this better.

Also, the unapologetic references to Garrett Hardin are pretty unpalettable to anyone who knows about him.

Subjects

Sustainable development
Critical thinking
Environmental education
Social Policy
Social problems
Economic development
POLITICAL SCIENCE
System analysis
Simulation methods
Public Policy
Population
Social sciences
Decision making
Pollution