CONNECTEDNESS (Excess of)
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 615 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Human sciences, Methodology or model |
A system is basically a set of interconnected elements.
However, the degree of connectedness varies widely according to the type of systems. While a composite system is very weakly connected, differentiation in more complex systems is related to selective connections between parts or elements, which define global and local functions. It can be closely related to heterogeneity obtained by constraints.
A totally connected system should be absolutely determined and thus completely unable to adapt itself to new situations.
According to ASHBY “…for the accumulation of adaptations to be possible, the system must not be fully joined (i.e. connected)… certain parts should not communicate to, or have an effect on certain other parts”. Hence, ASHBY points out that “The Homeostat…is too well integrated, cannot accumulate adaptations ” and…“…it must not be overlooked that adaptation may demand independence (of the parts) as well as interaction” and yet…
- “…by developing partial, fluctuating and temporary independencies within the whole,… the whole becomes an assembly of subsystems, within which communication is rich and between which it is more restricted” (1960, p.255-257).
Good examples are the different organs within a living system or the distinct sections within an enterprise.