Texts
- The Problem of Learning
- Problemistics Courseware
- Corso su Problemistica
- Resources Management
- Manuale/Intellettuale
- Campagna/Città
Problemistics - Problémistique - Problemistica
The Art & Craft of Problem Dealing
Modelling
Definition (C. West Churchman)
Requirements and Shortcomings (Abraham Kaplan)
Requirements and Shortcomings (E. S. Quade)
[1968, Second Edition 1979] C. West Churchman, The Systems Approach, Dell Publishing, New York
“Modelling, i.e., the process by which models are built.” (p. 133)
“Modelling is an attempt to provide decision makers with a useful tool. Hence a model is good to the extent that its results ‘work’ well for the decision maker, e.g. in formulating policies.” (p. 134)
[1964] Abraham Kaplan, The Conduct of Inquiry. Methodology for Behavioural Science, Chandler Publishing Company, Scranton, Pennsylvania
Shortcomings of models:
- Overemphasis on symbols
- Overemphasis on form
- Oversimplification
- Overemphasis on rigor
- Map reading [model taken as ‘what it is’ instead of ‘what it is like’, in relation to empirical reality].
“A strong emphasis on empirical materials is important to counteract the rationalist interest in form which is intrinsic to model building.” (from Chapter VII, pp. 275-290)
[1973] E. S. Quade in Stanford L. Optner editor, Systems Analysis, Penguin, Harmondsworth
“Two aspects of model building are particularly troublesome: quantification and the treatment of uncertainty.” (p. 135)