SYSTEM (Homeostatic)
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 3366 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Methodology or model |
A system that remains static while its elements and environment are dynamic.
This definition is adapted from R.L. ACKOFF, who explains: “Thus a homeostatic system is one that retains its state in a changing environment by internal adjustments. A house that maintains a constant temperature during changing external temperatures is homeostatic. The behavior of its heating subsystem makes this possible” (1972, p.85).
Comparing this concept with W. CANNON's one, it would seem somewhat too narrow.
It could be argued that the homeostatic system is static only “by and large”, and this, furthermore in two different senses. First, such a system really oscillates within a more or less narrow band of possible states determined by the unavoidable feedback delays of its controls.
Secondly, concrete systems incur in an ageing process which slowly modifies their general state in an irreversible way.