Systems Thinking: Introduction

This lecture introduces the concept of systems thinking, emphasizing how systems interact to create emergent properties that are not present in individual elements. The instructor explains the importance of understanding systems to make sense of the world, using examples like the BBC news website and historical trends such as the Industrial Revolution and the Anthropocene. The lecture covers the levels of understanding a system, from events and trends to structure, highlighting the significance of feedback loops and the complexity of wicked problems.