: : 2004 : : Complexity () : 4 : 9 : Bar-Yam Y. Multiscale Variety in Complex Systems // Complexity. 2004. Vol. 9. No 4. P. 37 45. : The Law of Requisite Variety is a mathematical theorem relating the number of control states of a system to the
number of variations in control that is necessary for effective response. The Law of Requisite Variety does not
consider the components of a system and how they must act together to respond effectively. Here we consider the
additional requirement of scale of response and the effect of coordinated versus uncoordinated response as a key
attribute of complex systems. The components of a system perform a task, with a number of such components
needed to act in concert to perform subtasks. We apply the resulting generalizationa Multiscale Law of
Requisite Varietyto understanding effective function of complex biological and social systems. This allows us
to formalize an understanding of the limitations of hierarchical control structures and the inadequacy of central
control and planning in the solution of many complex social problems and the functioning of complex social
organizations, e.g., the military, healthcare, and education systems.
: : 1950 : : Science () : 13 Jan : 111 : Bertalanffy L. The Theory of Open Systems in Physics and Biology// Science. 1950. 13 Jan. Vol. 111. P. 23 29. :
: : 1972 : : The Academy of Management Journal () : 4 : 15 : Ludwig Von Bertalanffy. The History and Status of General Systems Theory. The Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 15, No. 4, General Systems Theory (Dec., 1972), 407-426. :
: : 1956 : : Management Science : 2 : Boulding K. General System Theory The Skeleton of Science // Management Science. 1956. Vol. 2. P. 197 208. : In recent years increasing need has been felt for a body of systematic theoretical constructs which will discuss the general relationships of the empirical world. This is the quest of General Systems Theory. It does not seek, of course, to establish a single, self-contained general theory of practically everything which will replace all the special theories of particular disciplines. Such a theory would be almost without content, for we always pay for generality by sacrificing content, and all we can say about practically everything is almost nothing. Somewhere however between the specific that has no meaning and the general that has no content there must be, for each purpose and at each level of abstraction, an optimum degree of generality. It is the contention of the General Systems Theorists that this optimum degree of generality in theory is not always reached by the particular sciences.
: : 1992 : : Communication and Cognition () : 1 : 25 : Boxer P., Kenny V. Lacan and Maturana: Constructivist origins for a 30 Cybernetics // Communication and Cognition. 1992. Vol. 25. No 1. P. 73 100. :