lipp@ccvaxa.UUCP (02/01/84)
#N:ccvaxa:25700007:000:1349
ccvaxa!lipp Jan 23 09:52:00 1984
*******************************BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT********************************
9 CONSTRAINT THEORY
An Approach to Policy-Level
Modelling
by
Laurence D. Richards
9The cybernetic concepts of variety, constraint, circularity, and process provide
the foundations for a theoretical framework for the design of policy support
systems. The theoretical framework consists of a modelling language and a
modelling mathematics. An approach to building models for policy support sys-
tems is detailed; two case studies that demonstrate the approach are described.
The modelling approach focuses on the structure of mental models and the subjec-
tivity of knowledge. Consideration is given to ideas immanent in second-order
cybernetics, including paradox, self-reference, and autonomy. Central themes of
the book are "complexity", "negative reasoning", and "robust" or "value-rich"
policy.
9424 pages; 23 tables; 56 illustrations
Hardback: ISBN 0-8191-3512-7 $28.75
Paperback:ISBN 0-8191-3513-5 $16.75
9order from:
University Press of America
4720 Boston Way
Lanham, Maryland 20706 USA