For all of you who are genuinely interested in Meadows' system theory
here's the first two of a running cybershow series [0,1] talking about
levearage points in a modern context.
I would say that the main objective of the current system is to grow. We measure this with the GDP. This growth is necessary for the current system to survive, to pay our debts or keep our jobs, but is also incompatible with reducing carbon emissions [1]
If we could imagine new objectives we can change the paradigm. For instance we could try to have a carbon dividend as a complement to jobs creation [2].
It usually cures cancer. The current government concentrates wealth in the hands of the few. Less than 1% of the population owns nearly 50% of the wealth.
Wealth inequality here is growth of the richest few. That's why the economy by some measures is doing great - the rich are getting richer.
I don't see where you are getting the word purpose from. I assume you mean goal. If you want to place any outcome in the place of the major or most important outcome, then I arbitrarily declare our government's goal is to move paperclips, as that is an outcome.
I need to study that list of logical fallacies, because obviously curing cancer is the purpose of chemo, and suggesting otherwise is ridiculous.
PLACES TO INTERVENE IN A SYSTEM (in increasing order of effectiveness)
9. Constants, parameters, numbers (subsidies, taxes, standards).
8. Regulating negative feedback loops.
7. Driving positive feedback loops.
6. Material flows and nodes of material intersection.
5. Information flows.
4. The rules of the system (incentives, punishments, constraints).
3. The distribution of power over the rules of the system.
2. The goals of the system.
1. The mindset or paradigm out of which the system — its goals, power structure, rules, its culture — arises.
Regarding point 2: What is the goal of the current system?
[1] https://donellameadows.org/archives/leverage-points-places-t...