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Systems Theory as the Foundation for Understanding Systems

Author

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  • Kevin MacG. Adams
  • Patrick T. Hester
  • Joseph M. Bradley
  • Thomas J. Meyers
  • Charles B. Keating

Abstract

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:

Suggested Citation

  • Kevin MacG. Adams & Patrick T. Hester & Joseph M. Bradley & Thomas J. Meyers & Charles B. Keating, 2014. "Systems Theory as the Foundation for Understanding Systems," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(1), pages 112-123, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:syseng:v:17:y:2014:i:1:p:112-123
    DOI: 10.1002/sys.21255
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Herbert A. Simon, 1955. "A Behavioral Model of Rational Choice," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 69(1), pages 99-118.
    2. Kenneth E. Boulding, 1956. "General Systems Theory--The Skeleton of Science," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 2(3), pages 197-208, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jonathon Mackay & Matthew Pepper & Albert Munoz, 2023. "Disruptions, systems and individual agents—Exploring the intersections," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(1), pages 43-60, January.
    2. Rajneesh Chowdhury, 2023. "Methodological Flexibility in Systems Thinking: Musings from the Standpoint of a Systems Consultant," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 36(1), pages 59-86, February.

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