Conversation theory
Entropy
Feedback
Goal-oriented
Homeostasis
Information theory
Operationalization
Second-order cybernetics
Self-reference
System dynamics
Systems science
Systems thinking
Sensemaking
Variety
Theory of computation
Nonlinear dynamics
Time series analysis
Ordinary differential equations
Phase space
Attractors
Population dynamics
Chaos
Multistability
Bifurcation
Coupled map lattices
Game theory
Prisoner's dilemma
Rational choice theory
Bounded rationality
Evolutionary game theory
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Systems theory is the transdisciplinary[1] study of systems, i.e. cohesive groups of interrelated, interdependent components that can be natural or artificial. Every system has causal boundaries, is influenced by its context, defined by its structure, function and role, and expressed through its relations with other systems. A system is "more than the sum of its parts" when it expresses synergy or emergent behavior.[2]
Changing one component of a system may affect other components or the whole system. It may be possible to predict these changes in patterns of behavior. For systems that learn and adapt, the growth and the degree of adaptation depend upon how well the system is engaged with its environment and other contexts influencing its organization. Some systems support other systems, maintaining the other system to prevent failure. The goals of systems theory are to model a system's dynamics, constraints, conditions, and relations; and to elucidate principles (such as purpose, measure, methods, tools) that can be discerned and applied to other systems at every level of nesting, and in a wide range of fields for achieving optimized equifinality.[3]
General systems theory is about developing broadly applicable concepts and principles, as opposed to concepts and principles specific to one domain of knowledge. It distinguishes dynamic or active systems from static or passive systems. Active systems are activity structures or components that interact in behaviours and processes or interrelate through formal contextual boundary conditions (attractors). Passive systems are structures and components that are being processed. For example, a computer program is passive when it is a file stored on the hardrive and active when it runs in memory.[4] The field is related to systems thinking, machine logic, and systems engineering.
^"Systems Theory – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics". Archived from the original on 2023-07-05. Retrieved 2023-07-05.
^von Bertalanffy, Ludwig (1972). "The History and Status of General Systems Theory". Academy of Management Journal. 15 (4). Academy of Management: 407–426. doi:10.5465/255139. Archived from the original on 2022-04-09. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
^Beven, K. (2006). A manifesto for the equifinality thesis Archived 2017-08-14 at the Wayback Machine. Journal of hydrology, 320(1), 18–36.
^Paolo Rocchi (2000). Technology + Culture. IOS Press. ISBN 978-1-58603-035-3.
applied to other systems at every level of nesting, and in a wide range of fields for achieving optimized equifinality. General systemstheory is about developing...
equations are employed, the theory is called continuous dynamical systems. From a physical point of view, continuous dynamical systems is a generalization of...
Ecological systemstheory is a broad term used to capture the theoretical contributions of developmental psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner. Bronfenbrenner...
Systemstheory in anthropology is an interdisciplinary, non-representative, non-referential, and non-Cartesian approach that brings together natural and...
Systemstheory in archaeology is the application of systemstheory and systems thinking in archaeology. It originated with the work of Ludwig von Bertalanffy...
such as power grid, transportation or communication systems, complex software and electronic systems, social and economic organizations (like cities), an...
Systemstheory in political science is a highly abstract, partly holistic view of politics, influenced by cybernetics. The adaptation of system theory...
Living systemstheory LTI systemtheory Social systems Sociotechnical systemstheory Mathematical systemtheory World-systemstheory The soft systems methodology...
power-law expansions in the variables of the system. This framework, which became known as Biochemical SystemsTheory, has been developed since the 1960s by...
Family Systems Model (IFS) is an integrative approach to individual psychotherapy developed by Richard C. Schwartz in the 1980s. It combines systems thinking...
Control theory is a field of control engineering and applied mathematics that deals with the control of dynamical systems in engineered processes and...
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of disorder and irregularities. Chaos theory states that within the apparent randomness of chaotic complex systems, there are underlying patterns, interconnection...
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dynamic systemstheory was recommended by Kees de Bot to refer to both complexity theory and dynamic systemstheory. Numerous labels such as chaos theory, complexity...
contexts, enabling systems change. Systems thinking draws on and contributes to systemstheory and the system sciences. The term system is polysemic: Robert...
boiler to large industrial control systems which are used for controlling processes or machines. The control systems are designed via control engineering...
perfected the black box theory in the 1960s. In systemstheory, the black box is an abstraction representing a class of concrete open system which can be viewed...
(strategic, post-systems, collaborative) Don D. Jackson (systemstheory) Sue Johnson (emotionally focused therapy, attachment theory) Walter Kempler (Gestalt...
environment. James Grier Miller's living systemstheory is a general theory about the existence of all living systems, their structure, interaction, behavior...
sociological theory focused on cultural symbols exchanged during interpersonal interactions Systemstheory, a transdisciplinary study of systems World-systems theory...
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