A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems
By David Alderoty © 2015
Chapter 1) A System Theory: The General Model of Simple and Complex Systems
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After I complete a writing task, I select a number of websites from other authors, and link to them. The links are the blue underlined words, and they can be seen throughout this book. The in‑line links, such as the link on these words, are primarily to support the material I wrote, or to provide additional details. The links presented at the end of some of the paragraphs, subsections, and sections are primarily for websites with additional information, or alternative points of view, or to support the material I wrote. The websites contain articles, videos, and other useful material.
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THE FOCUS AND PURPOSE OF THE SYSTEM PERSPECTIVE PRESENTED IN THIS E-BOOK
To prevent confusion, I am placing the following statement at the beginning of each chapter in this e-book. Keep the ideas presented in the following three paragraphs, in mind as you read this e-book.
The main utility of a systems theory, especially the General Model of Simple and Complex Systems, is to assist in the study of systems, especially in terms of problem solving, goal attainment, and observational and experimental research. From a system perspective, all the relevant factors of a system are considered to obtain an objective. This can include the behavior and overall functionality of the system, its environment, its components, its structure, and related dynamics, cause-and-effect sequences, inputs, outputs, forces, energy, rates, time, and expenditures.
Examples of a system are atoms, molecules, chemicals, machines, electronic circuits, computers, planets, stars, galaxies, bridges, tunnels, skyscrapers, forests, rivers, streams, oceans, tornadoes, hurricanes, microorganisms, plants, animals, human beings, social groups, small businesses, organizations, political parties, cultures, and the human mind of an individual, including related behaviors and personality traits.
A systems perspective is also useful for writing projects. This involves writing about all the relevant factors of a system, in terms of a thesis, or topic.
The purpose of this e-book is to discuss and explain the many details associated with the systems perspective described above. This required twelve chapters, which are relatively short.
A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems, by David Alderoty, 2015
Notes and Related Concepts for this Chapter
The Meaning of the Word System
A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems, by David Alderoty, 2015
This chapter deals with a system theory. The word system generally has two meanings. One is a set of organized components that function together, comprising an entity, such as a machine, an animal, a plant, a factory, or a society. The other meaning of system is an organized method, or procedure for performing a task, or obtaining an objective. The first definition, in red type, applies to this e-book on A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems. The second definition is not relevant for the system concepts presented in this text, with the exception of chapter 11.
A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems, by David Alderoty, 2015
A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems, And Introductory Information
What does the General Model of Simple and Complex Systems Encompass
A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems, by David Alderoty, 2015
I am presenting a General Model of Simple and Complex Systems. This model includes the principles that are found in other system theories, but it includes a number of additional concepts.
The General Model of Simple and Complex Systems deals with static and dynamic systems, of varying degrees of complexity. The following text explains how the complexity of the system can affect its predictability. It also shows that some systems have multiple environments, which can influence the behavior or functioning of a system.
This model shows that a system is a relative concept, which should be defined in relation to a specific study, problem, goal, or research project. The way the system is defined determines the focus of the study. Excessively narrow definitions of the system can interfere with problem solving. It explains that a system is comprised of a specific geometry, and a set of interacting components.
System Theories, are Not Theories, they are Models
A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems, by David Alderoty, 2015
As can be seen from the title of this e-book, (General Model of Simple and Complex Systems) I am calling my conceptualization a model, as opposed to a theory. All of the system theories are actually models, and not theories. A theory represents a precise principle, or concept that can be experimentally evaluated to determine if it is true or false. The system theories, including my model, represent a collection of principles and concepts, some of which are from other disciplines, such as from physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, psychology, and sociology.
When a system theory is applied to a problem, a system with real or hypothetical structure is identified. The system is sometimes conceptualized as a living organism, or machine, even when this is not the case. This is coupled with attempts to apply the relevant concepts and principles of the system theory, to solve the problem. This sounds more like a methodology or philosophy, and certainly not a theory. However, all of the principles and concepts mentioned above, especially the structural framework of a system, can be defined as a model. This is the reason I called my conceptualization, the General Model of Simple and Complex Systems.
A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems, by David Alderoty, 2015
An Introductory Description of a System Theory, General Model of Simple and Complex Systems
A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems, by David Alderoty, 2015
Systems theory is a way of thinking about and exploring a problem, goal, study, or research project. This involves an attempt to evaluate all of the relevant components, and related dynamics and interactions that relate to an objective. Especially important are cause-and-effect sequences involved with the various components. All of the yellow highlighted factors presented above are conceptualized as the system. Often the system may be thought of as a machine, biological entity, or set of interacting components.
Definition of a System for the General Model of Simple and Complex Systems
A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems, by David Alderoty, 2015
Based on the way I am using the terminology, a system is comprised of a set of arranged components with a specific geometry*. The components interact with each other, or function together to form a system, such as a machine, an automobile, an animal, a plant, a forest, planet, star, a galaxy, a molecule, an atom, a small business, a large organization, a society, and a political party.
*For detailed information about the components, the arrangements and the geometry of a system, read the following three subsections.
What are the Components that form a System?
A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems, by David Alderoty, 2015
The components are the building blocks of the system. Each system is comprised of a unique set of building blocks, or components. The components (or building blocks) that make up various types of systems are presented below. The components are illustrated in bold black underlined type, and the systems are presented in red bold underlined type.
· Subatomic particles forming atoms
· Atoms forming molecules
· Cell membrane, nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, and other organelles, coupled with DNA, RNA, water, and other chemicals forming a cell
· Cells forming an organ
· Organs, bones, water, and other chemicals forming an animal
· Atoms of Iron and carbon forming steel, which are forming gears, pistons and other parts
· Gears and pistons, and other parts forming a machine
· Bricks, steel beams, and other building materials forming a building (This is a static system, explained in a later subsection.)
Most, if not all, of the components that comprise a system, can be defined as subsystems. A subsystem is a system within a larger system. For example, molecules are comprised of atoms, and atoms can be defined as subsystems of the molecule.
The Arrangement of the Components, and the Geometry they form, Comprise the System
A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems, by David Alderoty, 2015
The arrangement of components and their geometry comprise a specific structure, which is the system. If the components are rearranged, and/or the geometry is changed, in most cases you will no longer have a system, which is especially the case if the system is complex. For example, if you attempt to rearrange the limbs, and organs of an animal, it will obviously die. Similarly, if you change the geometry of the limbs and organs, or the entire animal, the system will cease to exist. However, there will be no change in the fundamental building blocks of the animal, which are chemicals. This includes proteins, fats, and compounds of calcium, sodium, and potassium, and many other chemicals.
Simple systems comprised of liquids, gases, and in some cases even solids, can usually be rearranged without destroying the system. For example, a cup of water is a system consisting of water molecules, which are the components. If you rearrange the water molecules, the system does not change. However, if you change the geometry of the components, such as by splitting the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, you will no longer have a cup of water.
A System is More than the Sum of its Building Blocks
A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems, by David Alderoty, 2015
Over the years, I have come across many sources suggesting that human beings, as well as the entire universe are comprised of subatomic particles. This usually is coupled with the implied suggestion that the study of subatomic particles, will result in insights about everything we encounter, including human nature.
In reality, nothing is solely comprised of subatomic particles, not even atoms. However a specific number, and arrangement, and related geometry of subatomic particles, form atoms. For example, helium atoms are comprised of two protons, two neutrons, and two electrons. If you split the helium atom into subatomic particles, you destroy the geometry that was formed by the arrangement of the subatomic particles, and you no longer have helium. Helium atoms are systems, and a system is more than the sum of its components.
You generally cannot predict the behavior of a system, by examining its building blocks, WITHOUT evaluating the arrangement and structure of its building blocks, and the resulting geometry of the system. For example, sodium chloride, which is common table salt, is comprised of chlorine and sodium. Chlorine is a very toxic gas. Sodium is also toxic, and it burns vigorously in chlorine gas. After the sodium burns up, you would have a new chemical structure, which is sodium chloride.
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Chapter 1) System Theories, and Related Concepts
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THE FOCUS AND PURPOSE OF THE SYSTEM PERSPECTIVE PRESENTED IN THIS E-BOOK
Notes and Related Concepts for this Chapter
The Meaning of the Word System..
A General Model of Simple and Complex Systems, And Introductory Information
What does the General Model of Simple and Complex Systems Encompass
System Theories, are Not Theories, they are Models
An Introductory Description of a System Theory, General Model of Simple and Complex Systems
Definition of a System for the General Model of Simple and Complex Systems
What are the Components that form a System?
The Arrangement of the Components, and the Geometry they form, Comprise the System
A System is More than the Sum of its Building Blocks
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