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Indeterminacy in the structure of systems
Author(s) -
Katz Fred E.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 0005-7940
DOI - 10.1002/bs.3830190606
Subject(s) - indeterminacy (philosophy) , bounded function , component (thermodynamics) , uncertainty principle , mathematical economics , mathematics , complex system , epistemology , computer science , philosophy , mathematical analysis , artificial intelligence , physics , quantum mechanics , quantum , thermodynamics
The aim of the sciences is to diminish uncertainty about the world. Yet uncertainty is encountered in many ways and various responses have come from scientists. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle and Gödel's proof are the best known. In this paper it is proposed that a certain form of uncertainty, namely, bounded indeterminacy, is a necessary and useful component part of at least some systems. The principle is illustrated from its existence in social systems. But the implications are general. Indeterminacy, when it is bounded by limits, can be regarded as a definite component part of the structure of systems.