Time, processes and cycles

We introduce a proposal for a theoretical, systemic definition of the concept of process, based on the constructivistic role of the observer and the level of description. We mention in this regard the concept of reductionism and some misunderstandings still present in the systemic movement about humanism and the scientific approach. By considering the active role of the observer we then consider Time as a Social Construction. In this framework we consider the difference between cyclic and non-cyclic time as defined by cyclic and non-cyclic processes. This difference has very important consequences when dealing with social systems. Assumption of behaving in cycles or not affect tremendously life of human beings by inducing systemic closeness or openness. Making people to assume living cyclic time has important role in social control and manipulation. We introduced two short examples referred to Architecture and designing social systems.The original publication is available at JAIST Press http://www.jaist.ac.jp/library/jaist-press/index.htmlIFSR 2005 : Proceedings of the First World Congress of the International Federation for Systems Research : The New Roles of Systems Sciences For a Knowledge-based Society : Nov. 14-17, 2139, Kobe, JapanSymposium 6, Session 6 : Vision of Knowledge Civilization Society and Knowledg