Ecosystem style of thinking in economic analysis: principle of unity of the continuous and the discrete

Abstract

Objective: to substantiate the unity of the discrete and the continuous in the socio-economic ecosystems theory development. Methods: system economic theory; the theory of the system structure influence on the changing homogeneity of the intraecosystem space-time; the systemic-integrational theory of an enterprise; the principle of complementarity. Results: the article substantiates the expediency of introducing the “ecosystem style of thinking” concept into scientific circulation. It is shown that the basic principle of the ecosystem style of thinking is the principle of complementarity, expressed as the unity of the continuous and the discrete. This principle is due to the inherent characteristic of the ecosystem – a combination of continuity and discreteness of its intra-ecosystem space-time (in particular, a combination of homogeneity and diversity of relationships between ecosystem participants). In order to form methods for determining the qualitative relationship between the ecosystem homogeneity and heterogeneity, the author proposes a typology of relationships between ecosystem participants, formed on the basis of the systemic-integrational theory of an enterprise. The paper substantiates the importance of a rational correlation of the homogeneity and diversity of the ecosystem space-time for the ecosystem functioning and for identifying the imbalances in the ecosystem spatiotemporal development. Scientific novelty: It was found that the main characteristic of the ecosystem style of thinking is the principle of unity of the continuous and the discrete in economic analysis. The author concludes that the ecosystem style of thinking is based on the post-non-classical style of thinking as interpreted by V. S. Stepin. The article proposes a typology of the economic analysis principles and substantiates the typology of relationships in the ecosystem based on the system integration theory of an enterprise. The author draws attention to the need for a rational balance between homogeneity and diversity in the ecosystem relationships for its functioning. Practical significance: the research expands the arsenal of objective methods for studying economic phenomena and processes by applying the ecosystem approach principles.