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Soft systems methodology to information systems: a Wittgensteinian approach
Author(s) -
Gregory F. H.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
information systems journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.635
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-2575
pISSN - 1350-1917
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2575.1993.tb00122.x
Subject(s) - meaning (existential) , soft systems methodology , epistemology , language game , linguistics , computer science , foundation (evidence) , information system , sociology , philosophy , management information systems , engineering , political science , electrical engineering , law
Abstract. A logical foundation for information system design requires a theory of meaning. Ideational theories attach meaning to the ideas in the private world of a conscious subject. By contrast Wittgenstein held that language and meaning were primarily public and that a private, purely subjective, language was impossible. The iterative debate among stake‐holders that takes place in the practice of soft systems methodology (SSM) can be understood as a Wittgensteinian language game in which meaning is created not just discovered. The conceptual models used in SSM can be developed into logico‐linguistic models which express stipulative definitions. These definitions can be taken as a logical basis for information system design.