The systems approach: Its variety of aspects (original) (raw)

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Traditions of Systems theory: An Observer Report

Constructivist Foundations Vol. 15, No. 1, 78-81, 2019

> Abstract • Despite some questionable decisions regarding its organization , this anthology is an interesting read and a valuable general education resource concerning the intellectual history, and subsequent evolution, of systems theory. The book details early conceptual landmarks while emphasizing latter-day developments and applications, in particular in the context of cultural studies and the socio-economical sciences. While commenting on the book's form and content I also raise questions concerning systems theory's standing in relation to such themes as consciousness, constructivism, and the machine metaphor.

The Origins and Purposes of Several Conceptions of Systems Theory and Cybernetics

Social Science Research Network, 1997

The story of systems theory and cybernetics is a story of several research traditions all of which originated in the mid-twentieth century. Systems ideas emerged in a variety of locations and for different reasons. As a result the ideas were developed in relative isolation and emerged with different emphases. This paper discusses the books and people, conferences and institutes, and politics and technology that have influenced the systems movement. The schools of thought presented are general systems theory, the systems approach, operations research, system dynamics, learning organizations, total quality management, and cybernetics. Three points of view within cybernetics are discussed. Total quality management is a new addition to the list, but we feel it is appropriate because of its extensive use of systems ideas. This paper does not address artificial intelligence, complexity theory, family therapy, or other traditions which might have been included.

THE ORIGINS AND PURPOSES OF SEVERAL TRADITIONS IN SYSTEMS THEORY AND CYBERNETICS

Cybernetics and Systems, 1999

The story of systems theory and cybernetics is a story of several research traditions all of which originated in the mid-twentieth century. Systems ideas emerged in a variety of locations and for different reasons. As a result the ideas were developed in relative isolation and emerged with different emphases. This paper discusses the books and people, conferences and institutes, and politics and technology that have influenced the systems movement. The schools of thought presented are general systems theory, the systems approach, operations research, system dynamics, learning organizations, total quality management, and cybernetics. Three points of view within cybernetics are discussed. Total quality management is a new addition to the list, but we feel it is appropriate because of its extensive use of systems ideas. This paper does not address artificial intelligence, complexity theory, family therapy, or other traditions which might have been included.

A Disciplinary Field Model for Systemology

Translational Systems Sciences

The field of systems is still a nascent academic discipline, with a high degree of fragmentation, no common perspective on the disciplinary structure of the systems domain, and many ambiguities in its use of the term "General Systems Theory". In this chapter we develop a generic model for the structure of a discipline (of any kind) and of disciplinary fields of all kinds, and use this to develop a Typology for the domain of systems. We identify the domain of systems as a transdisciplinary field, and reiterate proposals to call it "Systemology" and its unifying theory GST* (pronounced "G-S-Tstar"). We propose names for other major components of the field, and present a tentative map of the systems field, highlighting key gaps and shortcomings. We argue that such a model of the systems field can be helpful for guiding the development of Systemology into a fully-fledged academic field, and for understanding the relationships between Systemology as a transdisciplinary field and the specialized disciplines with which it is engaged.

Systems Theory as the Foundation for Understanding Systems

Systems Engineering, 2013

As currently used, systems theory is lacking a universally agreed upon definition. The purpose of this paper is to offer a resolution by articulating a formal definition of systems theory. This definition is presented as a unified group of specific propositions which are brought together by way of an axiom set to form a system construct: systems theory. This construct affords systems practitioners and theoreticians with a prescriptive set of axioms by which a system must operate; conversely, any set of entities identified as a system may be characterized by this set of axioms. Given its multidisciplinary theoretical foundation and discipline-agnostic framework, systems theory, as it is presented here, is posited as a general approach to understanding system behavior.

Systems Theories: Their origins, foundations, and development

Advances in psychology, 1998

In it's broadest conception, a "system" may be described as a complex of interacting components together with the relationships among them that permit the identification of a boundary-maintaining entity or process. Since social and psychological phenomena tend to resist quantitative modeling by posing basic difficulties already on the plane of boundary identification, alternative approaches must be relied upon. One such approach draws on the body of knowledge derived from General System Theory and its application in the domain of human activity systems.

A systems approach to the conduct of systems science

Systems Practice, 1991

You may remember that, in my first Review Editorial, I asked if there were people who would be willing to write reviews concentrating on the works of authors who are not usually thought of as systems thinkers. This time I have decided to depart from the normal book review format in order to present the first fruits of this request, Fenton Robb's overview of the writings of the 18th century philosopher David Hume. The review focuses in particular on how Hume's highly influential work might be of use to systems thinkers.

Underlying assumptions of several traditions in systems theory and cybernetics

How is the field of systems science different from other scientific fields, and how can we distinguish the various traditions within systems science? We propose that there is a set of underlying assumptions which are generally shared within systems science but are less common in other scientific fields. Furthermore, the various traditions within systems science have adopted different combinations of these assumptions. We examine six traditions within systems science --cybernetics, operations research, general systems theory, system dynamics, total quality management, and organizational learning. We then consider eight underlying assumptions --observation, causality, reflexivity, self-organization, determinism, environment, relationships, and holism. We then assess where each tradition stands with respect to each of the underlying assumptions.

A New Framework for Viewing the Philosophy, Principles and Practice of Systems Science

Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 2011

In this essay, a new framework for viewing the philosophy, principles and practice of systems science is proposed for furthering research and practice into transdisciplinary forms of intervention. This new framework reveals the effect of the interactions between systems principles and system structure in revealing complex systems behavior, demonstrates why such methodologies are classed as being systemic, and how these systemic methodologies can be used to explore, design and manage new transdisciplinary practice.