Abstract
PurposeParadigm change in systems thinking is justified, and a new direction is suggested. The change of state of equilibrium from unsatisfactory to acceptable driven by a dynamic system is described as problem-solving which is innate and universal in the living sphere. An empirical theory of problem-solving is proposed which integrates by design or chance the mental effort of creating the envisaged change with the symbolic structure of “product – dynamic system” which drives the former.Design/methodology/approachThe elementary constituent of structures and systems is identified as 1 – and 2 – place sentences or ordered pairs, the smallest parts of natural language which make sense and of which complex, linguistic structures can be constructed by following the stages of “linguistic modelling”. This leads to sequences of predicate logic conditionals representing the propagation of state or the reasoning structure which may be related to AI. A “story” of a problematic scenario in natural language is transformed into its analytical equivalent.FindingsProblem-solving approaches have a long historical background ending with the current, extensive “systems thinking” but none has come up with a comprehensive, empirical approach the reasons for which is discussed. The proposed theory clarifies the role of conventional science, the arts and engineering in problem-solving. It is rooted in current branches of knowledge, involves the use of mathematics and other disciplines and is highly teachable, needs debate, software and further developments.Originality/valueMathematical modelling is restricted to the use of quantitative properties. The symbolic structure of the proposed theory is processed, natural language which admits the use of emotive properties as part of logical conditionals derived from semantic diagrams. Systems thinking is now part of problem-solving. The analytical content allows the inclusion into teaching curriculum at school and higher education level, at the same time the method can be adopted to informal applications. An integrated theory of creative and methodical problem-solving driven by matching systems/product by design as well as static systems as part of dynamic systems is presented. Problem-solving is innate and universal in living things; it is the primary phenomenon to be identified driving its own means of resolution: the system.
Published Version
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