The hottest Systems theory Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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An Apology to the Insiders

Gordian Knot News • 131 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🔬 Science Nuclear Energy Environmental Policy Systems theory Technology Ethics
  1. Some people in the nuclear industry feel offended by criticisms, believing the blame is directed at them rather than the broken system. It's important to clarify that the focus should be on changing the system, not attacking individuals.
  2. The author reflects on their experience in a flawed system, sharing a personal story about a report they wrote that was ignored to protect jobs. This shows how systems can trap people into doing the wrong thing.
  3. The author wants to apologize to those in the industry for any misunderstanding, emphasizing that the real problem lies in the system that has led to negative outcomes, not in the people who worked within it.

Anatomy of Oscillation

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1060 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Design Systems theory Documentation Agile development GenAI
  1. Oscillation occurs when systems swing between extremes, like adjusting a thermostat. A delay between making a change and feeling the effect can cause back-and-forth adjustments.
  2. In nature, predator and prey populations can also oscillate, like rabbits and hawks. More rabbits lead to more hawks, which eventually can cause the rabbit population to drop, repeating the cycle.
  3. Calls for comprehensive documentation in software may lead to oscillation. As information decays over time, teams might swing between needing more documentation and finding fewer resources to support that need.

Places to intervene in a system

Subconscious • 1423 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Systems theory Spirituality Ethics
  1. Intervening in a system can be done through different levels of influence, starting from simple changes like adjusting parameters to deeper shifts like altering mindsets.
  2. All systems are creations of our thoughts and perspectives, meaning we can change how we view these systems, which can influence outcomes.
  3. True change often requires patience and may not show immediate results, so focusing on inner transformation is essential for meaningful progress.

eisenhower as cybernetician

Dan Davies - "Back of Mind" • 373 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Cybernetics Systems theory Decision-making Information Technology Computers
  1. Dwight Eisenhower highlighted the importance of maintaining balance in national programs and between private and public sectors.
  2. There was a new decision-making system created by the conjunction of military and industrial establishments.
  3. The warning was given that this system could generate outcomes not necessarily desired, seek growth, and be influenced by technological advancements.

Strange attractors

johan’s substack • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🔬 Science Semiotics Systems theory Cybernetics Meaning-making
  1. Language operates as a dynamic, networked construct, constantly evolving with new ideas and combinations.
  2. A systems-oriented approach to semiotics views meaning-making as a complex, adaptive, and emergent process.
  3. Emergent Semiotic Resonance (ESR) is when human and artificial agents co-create new structures of meaning, aligning and synchronizing their semiotic frameworks through feedback loops.
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10. On Emergence

Insight Axis • 79 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🔬 Science Philosophy Systems theory Emergence Computation Geometry Cybernetics
  1. Emergence occurs when an entity has properties that its individual parts do not possess, displaying behaviors that only emerge in interaction.
  2. Simple computational or geometric rules can lead to unpredictable and complex outputs, showcasing the beauty of emergence.
  3. Emergence, as seen in cybernetics with Braitenberg's Vehicles, demonstrates how simple structures can give rise to emergent, complex behavior, hinting at the potential for understanding the universe through simple rules.

Information as constraint of behavior

Space chimp life • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Behavioral Science Information Theory Systems theory Cognitive Science
  1. Institutions shape how we behave by restricting certain actions. This can be seen in clear rules or by making other choices harder or more costly.
  2. Information is created when different conditions allow an entity to do work, as shown in the example of a simple organism's behavior. The way it manages energy and information is crucial for survival.
  3. Just like simple organisms, institutions also gather information from their environment and use it to influence our actions. The way they set up rules determines the kind of work they can do.

Justification for treating institutions as higher order forms of life

Space chimp life • 0 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Institutions Autonomy Systems theory
  1. Institutions can operate independently of humans and have roles that can be filled by animals or machines, like robots or AI. This shows that institutions have their own form of life, separate from human involvement.
  2. Much like living organisms, institutions experience organization, growth, adaptation, and reproduction. They can maintain their processes and even thrive with or without human contributions.
  3. Understanding institutions as life forms can help us design better systems that serve people's needs and create balance. This idea could lead to more transparent institutions that listen to the public and adapt more quickly to change.