Systems thinking: Critical thinking skills for the 1990s and beyond

Abstract

The problems we face at all levels in the world today resist unilateral solutions. While the web of interdependencies tightens, our capacity for thinking in terms of dynamic interdependencies has not kept pace. As the gap between the nature of our problems and the ability to understand them grows, we face increasing perils on a multitude of fronts. Systems thinking and one of its subsets‐system dynamics‐are important for developing effective strategies to close this gap. Unfortunately, system dynamicists and systems thinkers have not effectively taught their framework, skills, and technologies to others. The door has not been opened wide enough to let others share our insights with respect to the workings of closed‐loop systems. To transfer this understanding on a broad scale, we need a clearer view of its nature and of the education system into which it must be transferred. This article casts some light on what we have to bestow and on the education system that is to receive our bounty. Its intended audience is both system thinkers and educators, and the hope is to help eradicate the distinction between the two.