The
system
Before
trying to understand the human system, let us get a feeling of a
system in general. The
structural atom of a system is a not-buckled micro-system. Its more
simple expression is that of an 'electronic valve', a transistor, for
example. It has three 'doors': an entry,
an exit
and a line
of order.
One applies a physical magnitude to the entry. Another physical
magnitude appears at the exit according
to the
applied physical magnitude. Entry, exit and line of order are thus
like three doors which open the system on the outside.
From the simplest
micro-system to the most complex of macro-systems, and whatever its
degree of systemic interlocking, it is a function
which characterizes a system. And these functions can be of an
incredible diversity. The
function of the 'included' system is determined each time by the
function of the more 'including' system. Thus, for example, the
function of a factory of cars is to produce saleable cars. Such a
system governs a multitude of other subordinated systems, whose
functions are to produce tires, projects, electronic circuits,
studies of new models, cylinder heads of engines, etc. But this
factory is itself in interaction with other systems, even more
'including' ones, like the international market, the mentality of
humans vis-a-vis the car, the energy production, etc.
It
is the program
which represents the complex function of a system. A flux which can
be of matter, of energy or of information enters
the
system, undergoes a transformation ordered by the function
and comes out transformed at the exit.
The nature, the form, the quantity at the entry and at the exit
depend on the complexity of the system and the nature of the fluxes.
The value 'function' always implies the equivalent of a program whose
complexity depends on the complexity of the function itself. This
program can be invariable and the system then is regarded as
programmed. It can also be variable according to the needs of the
moment and come each time to it from the outside, through one of the
entries. The
system is then known as programmable.
Systemic
intelligibility functions by modelling.
You have recourse to a model of operation which is a
'machine', here a complex machine, a not-mechanist one, a machine of
a cybernetic type with its self-controlled interactions.
A
system as system is closed
only in extreme cases, at the lower limit of the simple structure, at
the higher limit of the totality. Between the two, it is the opening
which characterizes the system.
A
system is momentarily considered closed only in its abstract
'insulation', necessary to be studied and understood. Whatever its
level of integration in systemic totality and its degree of possible
relative autonomy, 'a' system can thus be abstract of this total
integration and considered in itself. But at the same time you have to disregard this methodological 'enclosure'.
The system returns to the system. The system does not return to the
elementary parts. There is like an interactive
interlocking
of the systems from smallest on to the largest. Between the smallest
possible micro-system and the totality of the cosmic macro-system,
'a' system is each time a set which functions between other sets. So
functions nature as a solidarity of tangled up systems. On each
systemic level, there are thus an entry and an exit in interactive
connection with the entries and the exits of the other systems,
included and including ones, for the ceaseless exchange of flows of
food, of elimination, of information, of regulation, of programming…
Human realities, spiritual
realities, are understood through the paradigm of natural and
material realities. It is necessary to start by reflecting on what is
an ecosystem
and how it is threatened with death when opening is refused to it. The
total human space, our large 'house' - oïkos
in Greek - which integrates the systems of our earth in interdependent
unit and in interaction is called ecosystem. An
ecosystem
is closed
in relation to the elements.
This means that it functions with a finished
quantity
of material possibilities. The ecosystem has to balance its
assessment. On the other hand it is open
in relation to energy.
Between the hot
source
of the residual heat of 'Big Bang' and the cold
well
of the 'Black Fund' of space there is a potential difference which
makes the ecosystem function . At the 'entry' the energy received by the sun, the gravity and the internal heat of the earth goes in. At the 'exit' the energy degraded in irremediable heat goes out. Between the two, there is the used energy. The geological, biological
and climatological processes function in the systemic interaction of
the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the lithosphere and the biosphere.
The flow of energy is irreversible but relatively inexhaustible
(until the end of the world!). On the other hand, the chemical
elements are of finished number and their recycling is limited by
time. Recycling
is the base of the operation of the ecosystem and the regulation of
its balance. Thanks to this principle of economy a finished quantity
of matter is intended for an indefinite renewal and a creativity
without end. In other words, the ecosystem prohibits all
'extravagance'.
The
biosphere functions in interaction with large dynamic tanks which are
the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the lithosphere. The interactive
regulation between the various 'spheres' is of an incredible
complexity. The regulators play at variable intervals. The large
tanks limit the abrupt variations thanks to their 'buffer effect'.
Every thing contributes to the homeostatic balance of the
system.
The
ecosystem calls an ecology,
the
'logos' invited in our 'oïkos', the reason invited in our house.
It comes to one when we become aware that our wells are blocked and our
sources polluted. It comes when the radiant energy fluxes are made
insufficient and that the tanks are getting empty. It comes when the
street garbage men become insufficient. It comes when we feel living
above the possibilities of provisioning and recycling our earth. It
comes and forces us to reflect on our fences
and the necessity of openings.
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