University of Southern California

Interdisciplinary Social Sciences BA '12, University of Southern California

Binghamton University--SUNY

Systems Science Master's Degree '25, Binghamton University--SUNY

blockchain

systems science

Shingai Thornton's Notebook

Gitcoin Through the Lens of Systems Science

I recently published an essay that examines Gitcoin through the lens of systems science. The goal of the piece is to provide deep analysis of Gitcoin's past, present, and future while also providing insight into how the underdeveloped and fragmented academic discipline of systems science would benefit from unifying around a core set of principles. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts, questions, and constructive feedback from the ResearchHub community! Link to read the essay online:https://shingai.notion.site/Gitcoin-Through-the-Lens-of-Systems-Science-11d5e6e4d96743ec830aaf6ceae7b9ff PDF download link:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-zymEy8ys4BysqIuhSetVD8Hn3v5y0nY Abstract:Systems science is an academic discipline whose methods are widely used, but which remains underdeveloped. This is largely due to the lack of a unifying theoretical framework and formal methodology that all practitioners use. George Mobus and Michael Kalton have proposed twelve basic principles of systems science which serve as the foundation for a formal methodology for deep systems analysis. Using the principles as a conceptual framework for analysis can help us gain holistic understanding of any system of interest. Examining Gitcoin, a cutting edge complex socio-technical system dedicated to supporting digital public goods, through the lens of these principles demonstrates the utility of identifying a set of universal principles that apply to all systems. Applying the principles to an analysis of Gitcoin facilitates a deep understanding of Gitcoin. It also helps foster appreciation for the power of principles and a sense for how they can be applied to any other system. The twelve principles outlined by Mobus and Kalton are a promising candidate for a set of principles that the incredibly fragmented systems science community can unify around. Greater unification is necessary if the discipline is to advance, be taken seriously, and reach its full potential. Society needs a mature discipline of systems science to deal with the complex systemic issues we face.