On systemic balance : flexibility and stability in social, economic, and environmental systems
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
On systemic balance : flexibility and stability in social, economic, and environmental systems
Praeger, 1989
Available at / 11 libraries
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Library, Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization遡
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Note
Bibliography: p. [167]-176
Description and Table of Contents
Description
Arguing that society has pursued short-run approaches to decision-making that in the long term are counterproductive, On Systemic Balance presents a multidimensional and interdisciplinary alternative to problem solving. The usual method of dealing with problems such as housing shortages and environmental protection is a narrow, simplistic, quick, and intrusive solution. This type of solution ultimately ignores the many interrelationships within a system. The long term effect is imbalance and destabilization. The author reinforces his argument with economic and environmental examples. He then introduces alternative approaches to decision making and applies them to several settings. By stressing slow incremental intrusions, regard for interrelationships, and longer term balance, the author suggests that we might redefine problems more appropriately, develop less harmful and more enduring solutions, and provide a more stable environment.
Goldberg maintains that we cannot truly predict the consequences of our actions, particularly large-scale actions taken over a short period of time. He presents his argument first by equipping the reader with a set of multidisciplinary tools and second by demonstrating the poor results of our present decision-making style. He then introduces an alternative approach which borrows from biology, economics, management, and anthropology and applies it to three distinct settings.
Table of Contents
Preface Introduction Some Concepts and Issues What's Going Wrong Here? Stability and Diversity Responding to Disturbances: Hierarchies and Uncertainty On Balance Toward an Expanded Framework for Decision-Making Societal Change: Alternative Strategies for Developing Countries Change in the Developed World: Revolution or Evolution? Changing Individuals Bibliography Index
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