Managing modern complexity

Abstract Social institutions that in practice develop systems of knowledge and information are here termed ‘esoteric boxes’. These boxes interact, but whereas they themselves are extremely stable, the ‘meta-system’ which links them is typically unstable. It is in this fact that the threat to society really lies ; and if we are to regain control of this meta-system, then we need to design replacements. In this second article, feasible and effective lines of action are suggested whereby the causes of instability can be defined and thus controlled.