Developments Systems theory

1 developments

1.1 general systems research , systems inquiry
1.2 cybernetics
1.3 complex adaptive systems

developments
general systems research , systems inquiry

many systems theorists aimed @ finding general systems theory explain systems in fields of science. term goes bertalanffy s book titled general system theory: foundations, development, applications 1968. developed allgemeine systemlehre (general systems theory) first via lectures beginning in 1937 , via publications beginning in 1946.

von bertalanffy s objective bring under 1 heading organismic science had observed in work biologist. desire use word system principles common systems in general. in gst, writes:

...there exist models, principles, , laws apply generalized systems or subclasses, irrespective of particular kind, nature of component elements, , relationships or forces between them. seems legitimate ask theory, not of systems of more or less special kind, of universal principles applying systems in general.

ervin laszlo in preface of von bertalanffy s book perspectives on general system theory:

thus when von bertalanffy spoke of allgemeine systemtheorie consistent view proposing new perspective, new way of doing science. not directly consistent interpretation put on general system theory , wit, (scientific) theory of general systems. criticize such shoot @ straw men. von bertalanffy opened broader , of greater significance single theory (which, know, can falsified , has ephemeral existence): created new paradigm development of theories.

ludwig von bertalanffy outlines systems inquiry 3 major domains: philosophy, science, , technology. in work primer group, béla h. bánáthy generalized domains 4 integratable domains of systemic inquiry:

these operate in recursive relationship, explained. integrating philosophy , theory knowledge, , method , application action, systems inquiry knowledgeable action.

cybernetics

cybernetics study of communication , control of regulatory feedback both in living , lifeless systems (organisms, organizations, machines), , in combinations of those. focus how (digital, mechanical or biological) controls behavior, processes information, reacts information, , changes or can changed better accomplish 3 primary tasks.

the terms systems theory , cybernetics have been used synonyms. authors use term cybernetic systems denote proper subset of class of general systems, namely systems include feedback loops. gordon pask s differences of eternal interacting actor loops (that produce finite products) makes general systems proper subset of cybernetics. according jackson (2000), von bertalanffy promoted embryonic form of general system theory (gst) 1920s , 1930s not until 1950s became more known in scientific circles.

threads of cybernetics began in late 1800s led toward publishing of seminal works (e.g., wiener s cybernetics in 1948 , von bertalanffy s general systems theory in 1968). cybernetics arose more engineering fields , gst biology. if appears although 2 mutually influenced each other, cybernetics had greater influence. von bertalanffy (1969) makes point of distinguishing between areas in noting influence of cybernetics: systems theory identified cybernetics , control theory. again incorrect. cybernetics theory of control mechanisms in technology , nature founded on concepts of information , feedback, part of general theory of systems; reiterates: model of wide application should not identified systems theory in general , , warning necessary against incautious expansion fields concepts not made. (17-23). jackson (2000) claims von bertalanffy informed alexander bogdanov s 3 volume tectology published in russia between 1912 , 1917, , translated german in 1928. states clear gorelik (1975) conceptual part of general system theory (gst) had first been put in place bogdanov. similar position held mattessich (1978) , capra (1996). ludwig von bertalanffy never mentioned bogdanov in works, capra (1996) finds surprising .

cybernetics, catastrophe theory, chaos theory , complexity theory have common goal explain complex systems consist of large number of mutually interacting , interrelated parts in terms of interactions. cellular automata (ca), neural networks (nn), artificial intelligence (ai), , artificial life (alife) related fields, not try describe general (universal) complex (singular) systems. best context compare different c -theories complex systems historical, emphasizes different tools , methodologies, pure mathematics in beginning pure computer science now. since beginning of chaos theory when edward lorenz accidentally discovered strange attractor computer, computers have become indispensable source of information. 1 not imagine study of complex systems without use of computers today.

complex adaptive systems

complex adaptive systems (cas) special cases of complex systems. complex in diverse , composed of multiple, interconnected elements; adaptive in have capacity change , learn experience. in contrast control systems in negative feedback dampens , reverses disequilibria, cas subject positive feedback, magnifies , perpetuates changes, converting local irregularities global features. mechanism, dual-phase evolution arises when connections between elements repeatedly change, shifting system between phases of variation , selection reshape system. differently beer management cybernetics, cultural agency theory (cat) provides modelling approach explore predefined contexts , can adapted reflect contexts.

the term complex adaptive system coined @ interdisciplinary santa fe institute (sfi), john h. holland, murray gell-mann , others. alternative conception of complex adaptive (and learning) systems, methodologically @ interface between natural , social science, has been presented kristo ivanov in terms of hypersystems. concept intends offer theoretical basis understanding , implementing participation of users , decisions makers, designers , affected actors, in development or maintenance of self-learning systems.