Using science of conceptual systems to guide policy and theory of social change: a push towards more accurate anticipatory system modelling

Abstract

In Rosen’s Anticipatory systems theory, it is generally accepted that modelling relations correctly is important to improve anticipatory capacity. Recently it was accepted that social systems can also be seen as anticipatory systems in which their internal predictive models are generally meaning facilitated through information. However, it is not clear how these externalised models in social systems are measured, thus how “good or bad” they are before deciding on a course of action. Drawing on the Science of Conceptual Systems, these models are regarded as conceptual systems, which include, policies, theories, code of ethics, etc. that guide human decisions and action. In this study using the Integrative Propositional Analysis methodology, the structure of the models provides a useful measure for their anticipatory capacity. The more structured models encode the natural environment more accurately, enhancing their social utility. This research is expected to support inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinary scholars and practitioners.

KEYWORDS:

• Anticipatory systems
• models
• integrative propositional analysis
• conceptual technology
• conceptual systems
• modelling relations

Acknowledgment

The author wishes to acknowledge his appreciation to the editor and anonymous reviewers for their kind patience and generous suggestions for improving this paper. The authors want to dedicate this paper to the late Professor Steven E. Wallis, the founder of the IPA methodology and stream of research used in this paper. Your conversation and mentoring are greatly appreciated by your student Guswin de Wee.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Guswin de Wee

Guswin de Wee is a Ph.D. candidate at the Nelson Mandela University and the managing director of the Foundation for the Advancement of Social Theory and a lecturer. He is an interdisciplinary thinker whose research focuses on structural perspectives of knowledge to accelerate the development of useful theory and policy for improved outcomes. His current projects are aimed at advancing policy analysis and design from a conceptual science perspective. The various innovative methods for the acceleration of the usefulness of conceptual technologies can be found at: http://project-fast.com/

Kwame Asmah-Andoh

Kwame Asmah Andoh is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Management and Leadership. He holds degrees of BA Hons in Sociology with Political Science from the University of Ghana, Legon; Master of Public Administration from the University of Port Elizabeth and Doctor of Philosophy from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. His lecturing and research interests include policy analysis, administrative philosophy, local government, research methodology, performance management and monitoring and evaluation. In these, Kwame has presented many conference papers and published articles in refereed accredited journals. He has supervised over 40 masters and doctoral research studies and served as external examiner for a number of Universities.