Meta-perspectives

Science is primarily about discerning patterns and rules that enable us to explain and predict what would otherwise appear to be random phenomena. The patterns and rules provide a means for us to anticipate or control the outcomes - and thereby to obtain a degree of mastery over them rather than be subject to them.
Science achieves this by considering the events it observes to be part of a 'system', and then seeking to understand the causality in that system by carefully and systematically experimenting with different parts of it.
Technology is similar, except that it applies the learning of science to combine systems in a logical manner to deliver a useful solution. The power of this method of thinking can be seen in the degree of physical and technological advancement all around us.
The principle that underpins this is one of looking beyond the effects to the 'systems' that cause them. 'Meta-' means: beyond; transcending; encompassing. A 'meta-perspective' is one which transcends and encompasses more detailed perspectives, and thus provides the opportunity to understand the 'systems' that are at work.
Meta-perspectives also build on each other to give even greater insight. For instance, at one time, rain would have appeared random until it was associated with certain cloud patterns (one level of meta-perspective) and cloud patterns may have appeared random until our understanding of meteorology developed (another level of meta-perspective).
Meta-perspectives are essential to all scientific and technical advancement - without it, the patterns and rules cannot be identified, and events appear random, uncontrolled and uncontrollable.

Systemic solutions; Return to 'Professionalism'