SYSTEMS (Domain of): The field over which they extent
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 3457 ▶ |
| Object type | General information |
J.van GIGCH, who gives this definition classifies as follows the domain of systems:
- “1. Systems are living or nonliving
2. Systems are abstract or concrete
3. Systems are open or closed
4. Systems exhibit a high or low order of entropy or disorder
5. Systems display organized simplicity, unorganized complexity or organized complexity
6. Systems can be ascribed a purpose
7. Feedback exists
8. Systems are ordered in hierarchies
9. Systems are organized“ (1978, p.40)
Item 3 is somewhat ambiguous (see corresponding entries, and “isolated system”). Points 5 and 9 could be coordinated.
Since 1978, the systems field has enlarged. We should now add to van GIGCH's list:
10. Systems can be deterministic, markovian or chaotic, i.e. more or less stable or unstable
11. Systems are natural or artificial (artefacts)
12. Systems either adapt, or evolve
13. Systems are allopoietic (artefacts) or autopoietic (organizationally closed)
As systemics is still in the making, there may still be more to it!