Analytic approach

Systemic approach

•isolates, then concentrates on the elements

•unifies and concentrates on the interaction between elements

•studies the nature of interaction

•studies the effects of interactions

•emphasizes the precision of details

•emphasizes global perception

•modifies one variable at a time

•modifies groups of variables simultaneously

•remains independent of duration of time; the phenomena considered are reversible.

•integrates duration of time and irreversibility

•validates facts by means of experimental proof within the body of a theory

•validates facts through comparison of the behavior of the model with reality

•uses precise and detailed models that are less useful in actual operation (example: econometric models)

•uses models that are insufficiently rigorous to be used as bases of knowledge but are useful in decision and action (example: models of the Club of Rome)

•has an efficient approach when interactions are linear and weak

•has an efficient approach when interactions are nonlinear and strong

•leads to discipline-oriented (juxtadisciplinary) education

•leads to multidisciplinary education

•leads to action programmed in detail

•leads to action through objectives

•possesses knowledge of details, poorly defined goals

•possesses knowledge of goals, fuzzy details