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Systems Theory as the Foundation for Understanding Systems
Author(s) -
Adams Kevin MacG.,
Hester Patrick T.,
Bradley Joseph M.,
Meyers Thomas J.,
Keating Charles B.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
systems engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.474
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1520-6858
pISSN - 1098-1241
DOI - 10.1002/sys.21255
Subject(s) - axiom , construct (python library) , foundation (evidence) , set theory , set (abstract data type) , computer science , formal system , systems theory , multidisciplinary approach , theory , axiomatic system , management science , mathematics , artificial intelligence , engineering , sociology , programming language , social science , geometry , archaeology , history
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. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 17: