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A Delicate Balance: The Interdependence of Natural, Artefactual and Human Systems
Author(s) -
Cook S. D. Noam
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
systems research and behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 1092-7026
DOI - 10.1002/sres.2425
Subject(s) - state (computer science) , citation , balance (ability) , library science , natural (archaeology) , sociology , computer science , psychology , history , algorithm , neuroscience , archaeology
Governing the anthropocene entails, in part, constituting a delicate balance among distinct types of systems. Building on the work of Sir Geoffrey Vickers, I identify three types of systems-natural, artefactual, and human. Each has its own requirements for stability and sustainability. Together they have further requirements for functioning interdependently, particularly in any form we ought to consider desirable. I outline some of what these concepts suggest, and argue that understanding stability, sustainability, and interdependence in cybersystemic terms may put us in a better position not only to govern the anthropocene, but to govern it more responsibly. I explore some practical implications of this view in comparing major water projects in Singapore and California.