Research Paper

A philosophical discussion of the root definition in soft systems thinking: an enrichment of CATWOE

  1. Andrew Basden1,*,
  2. A. Trevor Wood-Harper2

Article first published online: 13 JAN 2006

DOI: 10.1002/sres.689

Issue

Systems Research and Behavioral Science

Systems Research and Behavioral Science

Volume 23, Issue 1, pages 61–87, January/February 2006

Additional Information

How to Cite

Basden, A. and Wood-Harper, A. T. (2006), A philosophical discussion of the root definition in soft systems thinking: an enrichment of CATWOE. Syst. Res., 23: 61–87. doi: 10.1002/sres.689

Author Information

  1. 1

    Information Systems Institute, University of Salford, Salford, UK

  2. 2

    School of Informatics, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

*Information Systems Institute, University of Salford, Salford M5 4WT, UK.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 13 JAN 2006
  2. Article first published online: 13 JAN 2006
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 15 FEB 2005
  4. Manuscript Received: 12 SEP 2003

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Keywords:

  • CATWOE;
  • soft systems methodology;
  • Weltanschauungen;
  • Dooyeweerd;
  • philosophical underpinning

Abstract

After a brief review of some problems in CATWOE analysis in Checkland's soft systems methodology, we suggest that they may be ameliorated by employing Dooyeweerd's multi-aspectual philosophy. A systematic approach is taken to reconceptualize each element of CATWOE within a Dooyeweerdian framework, the relevant portions of which are explained. In the process our understanding of CATWOE is enriched and made easier for the SSM apprentice to grasp. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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