Ecological System
One of the four types of system discussed in Lean Logic (for context, see the summary table in Systems Thinking).
The ecological system occupies the space between the complex system and the modular system, and incorporates both. Here we have both strong and weak diversity, taut and slack connectedness; a panarchy of systems and subsystems (holons) known to us as forests, meadows, deserts, oceans, the ecology of lions and antelopes and, on a larger scale, Gaia herself.
Ecological systems challenge the concept of resilience because, whatever the shock, an ecology of some kind will endure—if one ecology fails, another will take its place, probably with its own different normality. Actually, that should read “almost whatever the shock . . .” because a hypershock could comprehensively destroy the life needed to qualify as an ecology. Insufficient action by our generation could start the planet on the path to that conclusion.
The complex system, the modular system and the complicated system are things that can be discussed at length, and perhaps usefully. The ecological system does not allow that in quite the same way. It is not a thing. It is everything.
Related entries:
« Back to List of Entries