Viability – Rational-Understanding.com

I’m pleased to share a new paper and accompanying course modules on Social System Diagnostics — a practical framework for identifying problems in complex social systems and determining where further investigation should be focused.

Complex systems rarely fail for a single reason. Before we can explain why a problem exists, we must first recognise it and identify the areas requiring closer attention.

The paper introduces Systemic Diagnostics as a complement to Constraint Analysis.

It argues that diagnosis and explanation are distinct but complementary processes:

🔶 Diagnostics identifies symptoms and areas of concern.

🔶 Constraint Analysis investigates the underlying causes responsible for those conditions.

To support this process, the paper introduces a diagnostic hierarchy based upon system viability.

Because viability cannot be observed directly, it is disaggregated into four diagnostic dimensions:

🔷 Potential – Are future opportunities and capabilities being created?

🔷 Flow – Are information, resources, authority, and decisions moving effectively?

🔷 Capability – Can intended outcomes be achieved?

🔷 Flexibility – Can the system adapt to changing circumstances?

Together, these dimensions provide a structured framework for assessing system condition and identifying areas requiring further investigation.

The paper explores:

🔶 diagnosis as progressive expansion

🔶 viability and viability dimensions

🔶 diagnostic indicators

🔶 the relationship between symptoms and causes

🔶 the transition from diagnosis to Constraint Analysis

🔶 governance, learning, and adaptive decision-making

This work forms part of a broader programme developing a social systems framework grounded in causality, constraints, and adaptive governance.

The paper is available via the following links:

🔗 Academia: https://www.academia.edu/168478652/Social_System_Diagnostics

🔗 Website: https://rational-understanding.com/sst/

Alongside the paper, I have also added a new set of course modules to the Social Systems Theory (SST) course. These modules correspond to the concepts developed in the paper and are designed to make them accessible through:

🔷 plain-English explanations

🔷 diagrams and illustrations

🔷 worked examples

🔷 practical exercises

The course materials are available in two ways:

🔗 Open access (self-paced): https://rational-understanding.com/sst-course/

🔗 Supported learning: via Google Classroom through the ISSS Student SIG

Those in full-time or part-time education are especially encouraged to join the Student SIG, where they can benefit from guidance by experienced systems scientists, discussion with fellow learners, and access to a wider international community.