[Logical Thinking Process] Current Reality Tree

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Enthusiasm without knowledge is like running in the dark.

Like mentioned in « Goal Tree » note, solving a problem is about moving out needle from point A to B. The prerequisites to that movement is to have a clear understanding with what is A and B.

This article is a book reading note extracted from the « Current Reality Tree » chapter, outlining a methodology to define the "A" at a macro-level.

"A", in the book's context, represents the current (unfavorable) state of a system, which we aim to change (or improve).

Overview

This article covers following topics

• what is current reality tree: It is a logical map to of cause and effect for undesirable effect in given a system.
• why having a current reality tree: Simply put, to solve the right problem that brings most improvements to a given system.
• how to construct a current reality tree

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Why having a current reality tree

To have a better ROI on solving the undesirable effect we have, we need solve the right problem. => To identify the right problem to solve, we need a good understanding to the system where the undesirable effect exists. =>

The reality: In our world, the systems are usually complex

• Systems are inherently complex with interdependencies.

• Undesirable effects often result from multiple factors.

  Thus, we need a tool to visually depict the system, enabling a deeper understanding. This clarity is instrumental in identifying the core problem that yields the highest ROI.

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Correlation Learning

• Some application of current reality tree, A Philosophical Look at System Dynamics, by Donella Meadows
  • what is correlation and what is cause effect
  • feedback loop