Difference between revisions of "Gall's Law"

From RationalWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(evilitions)
Line 7: Line 7:
 
Although the quote may seem to validate the merits of simple systems, it is preceded by the qualifier "A simple system may or may not work." (p. 70).
 
Although the quote may seem to validate the merits of simple systems, it is preceded by the qualifier "A simple system may or may not work." (p. 70).
  
What it exemplifies is that while modern evolutionary theory may seem incredibly complex, it is based on three very simple rules - inheritance, mutation, and survival of the fittest.  
+
What it exemplifies is that while modern evolutionary theory may seem incredibly complex, it is based on three very simple rules - inheritance, mutation, and survival of the fittest.<ref>When we say fittest here, it is not meant to imply some overmuscled power-wielding thug, but rather fit as in ''fit for purpose'' or most adapted to a particular niche.</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Fo9ttnotes==
 +
<references/>
  
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gall's Law}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gall's Law}}
 
[[Category:Internet laws]]
 
[[Category:Internet laws]]

Revision as of 09:27, 10 July 2010

Gall's Law is a rule of thumb taken from John Gall's Systemantics: How Systems Really Work and How They Fail. It states:

"A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked. The inverse proposition also appears to be true: A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be made to work. You have to start over, beginning with a working simple system." (p. 71)

The work cites Murphy's Law and the Peter Principle and is filled with similar sayings.

Although the quote may seem to validate the merits of simple systems, it is preceded by the qualifier "A simple system may or may not work." (p. 70).

What it exemplifies is that while modern evolutionary theory may seem incredibly complex, it is based on three very simple rules - inheritance, mutation, and survival of the fittest.[1]

Fo9ttnotes

  1. When we say fittest here, it is not meant to imply some overmuscled power-wielding thug, but rather fit as in fit for purpose or most adapted to a particular niche.