Title :
Pragmatic idealism as the basis for understanding complex domains: the trinity and SOSE
Author :
Sousa-Poza, Andres ; Correa-Martinez, Yaneth
Author_Institution :
Nat. Centers for Syst. of Syst. Eng., Old Dominion Univ., Norfolk, VA, USA
Abstract :
This paper gives an initial theoretical exposition of pragmatic idealism; the philosophy that forms the base for analysis, design and transformation of complex situations, including system of systems. The philosophy is presented in the form of a trinity composed of the epistemology, ontology and methodology. The philosophy is a derivative of idealism, pragmatism, and fallibilism. Unifying many of the concepts is an epistemological model of complexity. The methodology is presented as a set of principles, structure and requirements that must be met in the development of methods. Some of the propositions upon which the methodology is built are highlighted. As part of the conclusions, it is argued that for the creation of robust methodologies, methods, approaches, etc. to deal with complex situations one must accommodate for the lack of understanding that is inherent in complex situations.
Keywords :
large-scale systems; philosophical aspects; systems analysis; systems engineering; epistemological complexity model; pragmatic idealism; system of systems engineering; Complexity theory; Design engineering; Ontologies; Research and development management; Robustness; Systems engineering and theory; Complex Systems; Complex Systems Engineering; Complexity Theory; System of Systems; System of Systems Engineering;
Conference_Titel :
Systems, Man and Cybernetics, 2005 IEEE International Conference on
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-9298-1
DOI :
10.1109/ICSMC.2005.1571565