Systems thinking

Systems Thinking

A paradigm that allows individuals to see the world from a holistic perspective, focusing on the relationships and interactions within systems.

Paradigm

A worldview that underlies theories and methodologies within a specific scientific domain.

Reductionism

A method of analysis that breaks systems down into constituent parts, often overlooking their interrelationships.

Synthesis

The process of combining components to understand a system through its relationships rather than its individual parts.

Function (in systems theory)

A process that transforms energy or resources from one state to another, consisting of inputs, processes, and outputs.

Input

The resources or elements that enter a system to be processed.

Output

The result produced by a system's processing of inputs.

Systems Boundary

The limit that demarcates a system's internal components and processes from its external environment.

Open System

A system that exchanges materials, energy, or information with its environment.

Closed System

A system that does not allow for the exchange of resources with its environment.

Homeostasis

The state of a system in which internal conditions remain stable and relatively constant despite changes in the external environment.

Feedback Loop

The interaction between elements in a system that affects a joint outcome, indicating how changes impact the system over time.

Positive Feedback Loop

A feedback loop where two nodes change in the same direction, often leading to exponential growth or instability.

Negative Feedback Loop

A feedback loop where two nodes change in opposite directions, typically associated with stability and sustainable development.

Stock (in systems dynamics)

An entity that accumulates or depletes over time, representing a static quantity.

Flow (in systems dynamics)

The rate of change in a stock over a specific time interval.

Emergence

A process where larger entities or patterns arise from interactions among simpler elements, resulting in qualitative change.

Differentiation

The process in systems development that leads to the proliferation of subsystems and specialized elements.

Integrative Levels

The hierarchical structure of systems, where higher levels demonstrate greater complexity and unique internal dynamics.

Systems Science

An interdisciplinary approach that integrates knowledge across domains to provide a holistic view of complex systems.

Holistic Approach

An approach that emphasizes the importance of relationships and the interconnectedness of components within a system.

Causal Loop Diagram

A visual representation that maps the interactions and feedback loops within a system.