On Putting Holism in MS: A Response to Raitt's Characterization of Systems Thinking

Robert A. Raitt has recently written an interesting and challenging article concerning the limitations of OR/MS and the systems approach [Raitt, Robert A. 1974. Must we revolutionize our methodology? Interfaces4 (2, February) 1–10.]. I take little exception with what Raitt has to say about OR/MS. Indeed, I applaud his outspoken and perceptive observations. OR/MS have not developed much beyond the burst of creative activity surrounding their birth some twenty odd years ago. OR/MS have limited themselves to a range of narrow problems, methodologies, and interests. Where I do take exception is regarding Raitt's characterization of the systems approach. In my view, Raitt has seriously misconstrued some of the fundamental philosophical premises underlying the systems approach. These premises are so fundamental that it is important to correct Raitt's misinterpretation of them. At the very least, it is important to respond to Raitt's view of these premises.