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Analysis, synthesis, systems thinking and the scientific method: rediscovering the importance of open systems
Author(s) -
Barton John,
Haslett Tim
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
systems research and behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 1092-7026
DOI - 10.1002/sres.816
Subject(s) - dialectic , systems thinking , soft systems methodology , systems science , construct (python library) , mainstream , frame (networking) , epistemology , critical systems thinking , parallel thinking , systems theory , sociology , computer science , open system (computing) , management science , cognitive science , social science , psychology , information system , critical thinking , philosophy , artificial intelligence , political science , engineering , management information systems , telecommunications , theology , programming language , software , law
This paper reconsiders the role of systems thinking in science and addresses an issue raised by Peter Checkland some 25 years ago, that of the relationship between systems thinking, analysis and the scientific method. The paper argues that the scientific method is most usefully interpreted as a dialectic between analysis and synthesis supported by the triadic logic of C.S. Peirce, and that the role of systems thinking is to frame this dialectic. Three generic forms of the system concept are identified—closed systems, input‐output systems and open systems. Consequently, systems thinking is shown to play a central role in mainstream science. The paper concludes that a system is best defined as a cognitive construct for making sense of complexity and the organization of knowledge and that contemporary system thinking is best identified as the ethical, scientific pursuit of knowledge using the socio‐ecological (open) systems frame. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.