Abstract
Our main objective is to elicit (The act of helping experts in constructing their knowledge to allow them to saved/shared) the notions of coviability, viability and perenniality, as they address man’s relationship with his environment. The analysis focuses on the Society-Environment relationship, and is based on a systemic approach. This leads us to consider “System Earth” as a whole when the following crucial question is asked: how can we ensure the perenniality of this relationship while also respecting equity for and between peoples? As is the case for knowledge representation and reasoning, we use the notion of “angle” (semantic relativism) in order to better perceive and describe the main concepts and relationships that reside in this complex system. By adopting an angle on a system, a compartment is extracted, which is easier to analyze. It is through this compartmentalization that we base the reasoning about the perenniality of the Society-Environment relationship and the viability of “System Earth.” We demonstrate that the term coviability used to relate the Society-Environment relationship, and deriving from a vision of Man vs Nature, is neither a systemic (nor holistic) vision. Other than at the global level, we believe that it is a mistake to take this term as a marker for decision-making and action. The compartmentalization protocol and its accompanying tools are commented upon and illustrated in two cases: the “Ecosystemic Service” angle and the “Territorial” angle. In the course of our study, we put forward a coherent set of concepts and relationships by adopting a systemic approach, which enriches our understanding of “System Earth” and of its viability. We also adopt an approach by compartmentalization that focuses on the “Organizational Function” that Society endows itself with, including that of managing the Society-Environment relationship.
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Notes
- 1.
Large area of the Pacific ocean, emerged ex nihilo because of man, where non-(or slowly) degradable waste (e.g. plastic) accumulates.
- 2.
The environment is initially taken in its basic meaning, i.e. as being what surrounds man.
- 3.
The action of helping experts to formalize their knowledge to allow saving and/or sharing them.
- 4.
Here the term angle does not mean “making an opinion”, possibly subjective. Rather, it means “having an angle of view” which, once accepted, logically extracts the parts of the system relevant to it.
- 5.
Which may be derived from a calculation.
- 6.
In linguistics, as much as in philosophy, an assertion represents a statement presented as true within the framework of a specified theory.
- 7.
Mentioning neighborhood does not prejudice the proximity of systems in terms of typology, or from a spatial angle.
- 8.
An unusual state, whose shape and regime are apparently inadequate for each other (not adapted or not yet adapted: confrontation with reality, together with resilience or adaptation, will “judge” this state: towards existence or collapse).
- 9.
Term emerging from our reasoning to distinguish it from the term Environment.
- 10.
The term “component” refers to an elementary system or a complex system (aggregate level) located inside the (more or less complex) system studied.
- 11.
Similar to autopoiesis in biological systems. To the idea of repair is added that of construction, of synthesis of the structure, either by the reproduction of the whole or the synthesis of its parts.
- 12.
Another way of saying this is to say that a rank n-system S has its place in an n + 1 ranked-complex system S′ is equivalent to saying that S′ and S interact in such a way that there is integration of systems.
- 13.
- 14.
More or less complete, for it is rarely this way in the case of complex systems, see Sect. 5.3.1.5.
- 15.
For example, the interactions linking species within a trophic network.
- 16.
Homeostasis is the result of effective resistance or resilience. Resistance or resilience are like springs (which, after extension return to their initial state). However, the spring for resilience would be more “flexible” (the return would take longer, the initial state would not be totally recovered) than that of resistance (in absolute terms, resistance would be a wall…). This is a very mechanistic image…
- 17.
An image for these two sides of viability: under pressure, on the ridge of a mountain, descent would be made either on one slope or the other; a return to the point of departure (resistance, resilience) or, on the contrary, exploration/invention of novelty by experiencing the other side. Should we talk about resilience (a “second type”)? About emergence? Biologists are constantly confronted with this problem: when does one species become another (i.e. transition from one system to another)? In any case, if there is change, there is adaptation… or emergence.
- 18.
By adaptation for a better fit of the shape/regime combination.
- 19.
Perfection is relative: an evolutionary cul-de-sac.
- 20.
Resistance works for the homeostasis of the system as it is. Dynamics question this state to find a new one, for which it will then be necessary to conserve (homeostasis again, but for the sake of a new state).
- 21.
When we simplify, we take the risk of making a mistake, of caricaturing, or being biased… We must be aware of this, accept it, not forget it when the time comes. The compartmentalization approach (a pragmatic approach to delimit a system) is a way of doing things without forgetting the risks and uncertainties involved in this action.
- 22.
Except for some man-made systems.
- 23.
Here the term angle does not mean “making an opinion”, possibly subjective. Rather, it means “having an angle of view” which, once accepted, logically extracts the parts of the system relevant to it.
- 24.
The system may be analyzed from several angles. Each angle makes it possible to extract a compartment and a function.
- 25.
While in pure systemics, a spatial dimension is not always necessary.
- 26.
“We never bathe twice in the same river,” (Eraclite d’Ephèse).
- 27.
- 28.
With the changes currently underway, this integration may be questioned.
- 29.
It is assumed, as before, that there exists “social systems” in the strict sense of the term.
- 30.
We will subsequently adopt the terminology “System Earth” to refer to this level.
- 31.
The environment: all the natural components of Planet Earth and all the phenomena and interactions that occur i.e. everything that surrounds man and his activities (Wikipedia).
- 32.
In the twenty-first century, the Compartment “Nature” is not a system. There is no global ecosystem.
- 33.
In Greek “oikos”: house, habitat
- 34.
Utopia: “something” that does not exist but may be attained.
- 35.
We have seen in Sect. 5.3.1.3 that the viability of an integrated system includes regulations and controls, having as origins the systems of lower and higher systemic ranks, respectively.
- 36.
The IGBP participated to the emergence of the term Anthropocene which transcribes significant atmospheric changes and a modified relation of man to nature. There is a debate as to whether it corresponds to a geological era (the definition of geological eras is based on stratigraphy works (Elmi and Babin 2006).
- 37.
Considered as a system.
- 38.
We will only take into consideration systemic (structural, functional) aspects in this presentation. We have deliberately set aside the monetarization aspect of ES which represents a (good/bad) way of approaching the negotiation aspect; an aspect whose sole principle is discussed here.
- 39.
Possible existence of chaotic modes often observed in complex systems. They are by definition difficult to control or are even unmanageable.
- 40.
We will therefore be aware, in Sect. 5.3.2.3, dealing with the territorial compartment, of how significant the risk of bias is.
- 41.
The transposition from the systemic global level to the geographical global level is intuitive.
- 42.
We shall see later that this assertion does not exclude the recognition of particularity/diversity/specificity of environments or societies.
- 43.
- 44.
- 45.
- 46.
For example, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for which it is stated that the inclusive nature of the Sustainable Development Program is an ethical imperative: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/fr/2016/01/16/le-caractere-inclusif-du-programme-de-developpement-durable-est-un-imperatif-ethique-selon-lonu/
- 47.
This geographic global level (the globe) meets the global systemic level (“Earth System”).
- 48.
- 49.
Which originate from other territorial angles? by other parts of Society (i.e. other society(−part).
- 50.
Including multi-compartmentalization to account for the multi-functionality offered by System Earth with regard to the expectations/objectives of society(−part).
- 51.
Themselves resulting from classical compartmentalization, see Sect. 5.3.1.6.
- 52.
Beware, this is not systemic in the strict sense; therefore, there is no interaction in the systemic sense. The interaction takes place on an ad hoc systemic level and not at the level of the compartment, which is by definition “arbitrary,” hence the use of the verb “communicate.” They are relationships, not systemic interactions.
- 53.
Systemic vocabulary.
- 54.
The territorial compartment has its share of arbitrariness and even irrationality. It is not the case with systemic systems.
- 55.
As in the set theory.
- 56.
Since: as many societies(−part) adopting a territorial angle as territorial compartments extracted from “System Earth” and distributed on the geographical globe which corresponds to “System Earth”. The question becomes more complicated when more than one society(−part) projects its project on the same geographical area.
- 57.
Related here to the territory by Di Meo (1998), “the territory bears witness to an economic, ideological and political appropriation by groups which give themselves/propose/tell a particular representation of themselves, of their history, and of their singularity.”
- 58.
If not, the risk is inconsistency an degradation, or no existence at all.
- 59.
i.e. society(−part).
- 60.
it should be possible to “evaluate” the quality of life, see below.
- 61.
Of society(−part).
- 62.
Services relate traditionally to the tertiary sector; they include those organizing the primary and secondary sectors.
- 63.
The situation is more complex when two societies(−part) have relations to the Environment in the same geographical area. The concerned Environment is then S + NS!! … Immediately, therefore, it is no longer a matter of managing “only” ESs, but, relations between societies directly.
- 64.
This would require that a society(−part) be hardly permeabile to external influences (see the work on the oases (Fargette et al., 2019, chapter 29, volume 2 of the ‘book’ who observes and discuss these external influences).
- 65.
This would be if the entire ecosystems fitted into the territory.
- 66.
Set theory.
- 67.
Society(−part).
- 68.
In one society(−part), in the global Society.
- 69.
- 70.
Natural, human, economic, financial.
- 71.
The right to work is part of fundamental rights.
- 72.
The initiation of this movement is very old.
- 73.
COP: Conference of the Parties.
- 74.
Reminder: by definition, the compartment is not systemic. However, in practice, it can sometimes be this.
- 75.
Without prejudging its size.
- 76.
A mysterious blend, for are we capable of analyzing the parts of the heart vs egoism, freedom vs. confinement, intelligence vs blindness, attention to self-interest vs. being subject to fear, that participate in making choices and taking action?
- 77.
Without interference or totalitarianism.
- 78.
Often going hand in hand with increased vulnerability, or even actual degradation.
- 79.
And all the more, given the urgency of the current issues.
- 80.
COP12: Conference of the Parties, Twelfth session, of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Ankara (Turkey), 12–23 October 2015.
- 81.
COP21: Conference of the Parties, 21st session, of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change, Paris (France), 30 Nov–11 Dec. 2015.
- 82.
Without denying the technical solutions downstream of these choices, and of which they are the consequences.
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Fargette, M., Loireau, M., Libourel, T. (2019). The Relationship Between Man and His Environment: A Systemic Approach of the Viability of “System Earth”. In: Barrière, O., et al. Coviability of Social and Ecological Systems: Reconnecting Mankind to the Biosphere in an Era of Global Change. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78497-7_5
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