Mechanism
Nature
Mistaken assumption that it is possible to predict how systems will respond.
Claim
We repeatedly delude ourselves when we act on the premise that ecosystems and societies are analogous to mechanical systems. Our remedies do not lead to new equilibrium solutions we prefer. On the contrary, new problems with new relationships between them evolve with every step we take. The destruction of cultural systems is also facilitated through overdependence on a mechanical world view. When new technologies, values, types of knowledge and ways of organizing are accepted by or imposed on cultures, the mechanical view assumes simply that a new cultural equilibrium will be reached. Cultural systems are always evolving, of course, but if changes are introduced with the expectations generated by a mechanical understanding of systems, the rate of cultural change will be faster and the types of changes will be quite unexpected.
Broader
Aggravates
Aggravated by
Reference(s)
Type
(F) Fuzzy exceptional problems