Chapter 8. Causal Loops and Homeostasis

Homeostasis refers to our remarkable capability to maintain a relatively stable physiological state even when the outside environment is varying dramatically. This chapter explains homeostasis with examples from Walter Cannon's (1932) classic book on The Wisdom of the Body. It then turns to general ideas that may be useful beyond physiological systems. The global warming system is used to illustrate the challenge of transferring ideas from physiology to the environment. This chapter provides historical and conceptual support for subsequent chapters dealing with the stability of environmental systems.

There are no models or flow diagrams in this chapter. The main tool of communication is the causal loop diagram. By the end of the chapter, you will appreciate how these diagrams may be used to illuminate the feedback structure of rather complex systems.