Posted to FRIAM 1\/27\/07<\/p>\n
So I didn\u2019t get takers on the question of what internal limits to growth apply when there are no external limits. It\u2019s sort of a trick question. My approach to the answer has to do with the difference between physical and theoretical systems.<\/p>\n
Mostly we think about physical systems as if they behaved like theoretical ones but theories are infinitely malleable and have no inherent limits, internal or external. They\u2019re just projections of rules and natural limits are discoveries of changes in the rules, not extensions.<\/p>\n
One categorical divide for the types of inherent internal limits to growth for physical systems uses the two categories, stabilization and failure. Stabilization results, broadly, from diverting the positive feedbacks before they become disruptive, and failure from not doing so. Some physical systems have some choice in the matter, and for others it\u2019s pretty automatic.<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t see the possibility you don\u2019t have the choice, of course, and we\u2019re trained to substitute models for physical systems in our explanations for things, and therefore tend not to see the possibility. I think learning to be aware of what\u2019s inherently different about physical and theoretical systems takes patient attention to the discrepancies, using theory to guide you to an fresh exploration of the world rather than as a substitute that hides the real world\u2026 Certainly living in theories can be both fun and productive, but it\u2019s also missing some essential things.<\/p>\n
I hope it\u2019s not too painful to watch me struggling with the words for this. Often enough I just get frustrated, but I think this bit may have it fairly straight. Ring any bells for you?<\/p>\n
Phil Henshaw \u00b8\u00b8\u00b8\u00b8.\u00b7\u00b4 \u00af `\u00b7.\u00b8\u00b8\u00b8\u00b8<\/p>\n
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Posted to FRIAM 1\/27\/07 So I didn\u2019t get takers on the question of what internal limits to growth apply when there are no external limits. It\u2019s sort of a trick question. My approach to the answer has to do with the difference between physical and theoretical systems. Mostly we think about physical systems as if … Continue reading The internal limits riddle<\/span>