A new look at the description and prescription of systems

• Published in: Behavioral Science 1977, Vol.22 (3), p.197-206
• Main Authors: Locker, A., Coulter Jr, N. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: cognitive modes; general systems theory; goal generating systems; system and context; systems observer role
• ISSN: 0005-7940; 1099-1743; 1932-300X
• DOI: 10.1002/bs.3830220306

Present day status of general systems theory makes it appropriate to propose the notion of a kind of system which is able to generate the goal(s) for its own activity, a teleogenic system. This concept may apply to all levels and types of concrete systems. Some prerequisites for conceiving of such a system, and eventually founding a theory dealing with it, are outlined in this paper. The intimate relations that exist between system and observer are underscored. Any alleged property ascribed to reality is relative to the perspective of the observer. Description is facilitated through iterative modes of reflexion and the concomitant setting of a context. This permits distinguishing between a local and a global description. It is shown that the former tends to assume a causal aspect, whereas the latter is in conformity with a final aspect. It is necessary to distinguish between an unconcerned observer and a concerned observer or designer. The former only designs models to explore the system he observes, while the latter also builds the system he prescribes. The interplay between descriptive language and prescriptive language is considered. Any description is not only a representation of a reality, but, conversely, any reality exists for the observer/designer in the description made. In order to obtain a global view, one encompassing the meaning or significance of a description for the observer/designer, the assumption or prescription of goals is inevitable. According to the role goals assume, it is necessary to distinguish between goal directed, goal selecting, and goal‐generating systems.