System Values Analysis Tool

AI-powered analysis of systems to extract stated values and compare them with operational outputs.

System Values Analysis Tool

Project Overview

The System Values Analysis Tool examines systems to extract their stated values and compare them with operational outputs. This comprehensive analysis tool helps identify where values are lost, distorted, or reinforced as they travel through different layers of a system.

This tool demonstrates how AI can be used to bridge the gap between values-in-theory and values-in-practice, supporting more aligned and effective system design.

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Key Features

System Grounding

Comprehensive research and analysis of governance structures, core functions, funding mechanisms, and recent developments within the target system.

Narrative Mapping

Analyses public discourse frames, dominant narratives, metaphors, and narrative carriers to understand how the system is portrayed and talked about.

Value Encoding Analysis

Identifies gaps between stated values (from formal sources) and enacted values (observed in practice), highlighting where intent and reality diverge.

Four-Layer Framework

Applies systematic analysis across Values, Meta-Systemic, Implementation, and Interface layers to trace value drift and distortion.

Analysis Framework

The System Values Analysis Tool uses a structured seven-phase approach to comprehensively analyse systems and their value alignment.

Analysis Phases
  1. Phase 0 - Scope
    Define system name, jurisdiction, boundaries, timeframe, and sub-system focus.
  2. Phase 1 - System Grounding
    Research governance, structure, core functions, funding, oversight bodies, and recent developments.
  3. Phase 2 - Narrative Mapping
    Analyse dominant narratives, metaphors, narrative carriers, tone, and positioning in public discourse.
  4. Phase 3 - Value Encoding & Drift
    Compare stated values (formal sources) with enacted values (observed practice) to identify gaps.
  5. Phase 4 - Four-Layer Framework
    Apply systematic analysis across Values, Meta-Systemic, Implementation, and Interface layers.
  6. Phase 5 - Alignment Diagnosis
    Identify key misalignments and propose speculative interventions (policy and AI-enabled).
  7. Phase 6 - Four A's Synthesis
    Apply Authorship, Articulation, Alignment, and Adaptation analysis.
  8. Phase 7 - Summary
    Provide free text analysis of findings and recommendations.
Core Principle

The Four A's framework provides systematic analysis of how values are created, expressed, implemented, and adapted within systems.

Framework Components
  1. Authorship
    Who creates and controls the values and direction of the system? Analyses primary authors, decision-making structures, public influence, and transparency.
  2. Articulation
    How clearly and consistently are the system's values expressed? Examines formal and cultural expression, coherence across levels, and communication channels.
  3. Alignment
    To what extent do the system's operations match its articulated values? Identifies adherence, misalignment, drivers, and consequences.
  4. Adaptation
    How effectively can the system respond to change or correct misalignment? Analyses mechanisms for change, speed, flexibility, and barriers.
Core Principle

The Four-Layer Framework traces how human values travel from culture to code, identifying where they distort, drift, or disappear at each layer.

Framework Layers
  1. Values Layer
    Shared moral principles, norms, and intuitions within a culture or community. Values act as "relational attractors" in our mental map.
  2. Meta-Systemic Layer
    The "operating system" of society - laws, constitutions, treaties, financial frameworks that formalise values into enforceable logic.
  3. Implementation Layer
    Institutions, organisations, and role-based actors that execute the meta-systemic rules in practice.
  4. Interface Layer
    The point of contact between the system and humans (or between systems). Where decisions, services, and communications are delivered.

Cross-Layer Concern - Value Drift: At every step from values → meta-systems → implementation → interface, values can be preserved, distorted, or omitted entirely.

Technical Implementation

How Version 1 Works

The System Values Analysis Tool Version 1 is a proof-of-concept AI tool built using ChatGPT's custom GPT functionality. Here's how it operates:

Input Processing
  • • Accepts clear system descriptions from users
  • • Allows optional sub-system focus areas
  • • Works best with thinking models and conceptual systems
Research Phase
  • • Performs internet searches for relevant information
  • • Gathers factual baseline data about the system
  • • Identifies governance structures and recent developments
Analysis Framework
  • • Applies seven-phase analysis methodology
  • • Uses Four A's and Four-Layer frameworks
  • • Identifies value drift and misalignment
Output Generation
  • • Produces structured analysis reports
  • • Provides alignment diagnosis and interventions
  • • Offers actionable recommendations for improvement
Version 1 Limitations

This is a work-in-progress proof-of-concept demonstration. The tool works best with thinking models and conceptual systems. It's designed for analytical purposes and should be treated as a framework for understanding system value alignment rather than definitive analysis.

Status: Work in Progress Version: 1.0

Related Content

Systems of Value Blog

Read more about system analysis and value alignment in the Systems of Value Substack.

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