In this article, we will consider the definition of a system as a device composed of various structural elements. Here the question of the classification of systems and their characteristics will be raised, as well as the formulation of Ashby's law and the concept of a general theory.
Introduction
The definition of a system is a plurality of elements that are in a certain relationship with each other and form an integrity.
The use of the system as a term is determined by the need to emphasize the various characteristics of something. This, as a rule, is about a complex and huge device structure. It is often difficult to unambiguously disassemble such a mechanism, which is another reason for the use of the term “system”.
The definition of the system has a characteristic difference from the "set" or "totality", which manifests itself in the fact that the main term of the article tells us about orderliness and integrity in a particular object. A certain regularity of its construction and functioning is always present in the system, and it also has the specifics of development.
Definition of the term
There are various definitions of a system that can be classified according to a wide variety of characteristics. This is a very broad concept that can be used in relation to almost everything and in any sciences. The content of the context about the system, the field of knowledge and the goals of study and analysis also strongly influences the definition of this concept. The problem of an exhaustive characterization is the use of the term, both objective and subjective.
Consider some descriptive definitions:
- A system is a complex formation of interacting fragments of a holistic “mechanism”.
- System - a general accumulation of elements that are in some respects relative to each other, as well as associated with the environment.
- A system is a set of interconnected components and parts that are separate from the environment, but interacting with it and working as a whole.
The first definitions of a descriptive system refer to an early period in the development of systems science. Only elements and a set of relationships were included in such terminology. Then began to include various concepts, such as functions.
System in everyday life
A person uses the definition of a system in the most diverse areas of life and activity:
- When naming theories, for example, the philosophical system of Plato.
- When creating a classification.
- When creating a design.
- With the name of the set of established living standards and behavioral rules. An example is a system of legislation or moral values.
The study of systems is a developmental course in science, which is studied in a wide variety of disciplines, for example, in engineering, systems theory, systems analysis, systemology, thermodynamics, system dynamics, etc.
Characterization of the system through its constituent components
The basic definitions of a system include a number of characteristics, through the analysis of which one can somehow give an exhaustive description of it. Consider the dominant:
- The limit of partitioning the system into fragments is the definition of an element. From the point of view of the considered aspects, tasks to be solved and the goal set, they can be classified and distinguished in different ways.
- A component is called a subsystem, which is presented to us in the form of a relatively independent particle of the system and at the same time possesses some of its properties and sub-goals.
- Communication refers to the relationship between system elements and what they restrict. Communication allows you to reduce the degree of freedom of fragments of the "mechanism", but to acquire new properties.
- Structure - a list of the most significant components and relationships, little changed in the process of the current functioning of the system. She is responsible for the presence of the main properties.
- The basic concept in the definition of the system is also the concept of goal. A goal is a multifaceted concept that can be defined depending on the context data and the stage of cognition at which the system is located.
The approach to defining a system also depends on concepts such as condition, behavior, development, and life cycle.
The presence of patterns
When analyzing the main term of the article, it will be important to pay attention to the presence of certain laws. The first is the presence of limitedness from the general environment. In other words, it is integrativity, which defines a system as an abstract entity with integrity and clearly set limits to its borders.
The system has synergy, emergence and holism, as well as a systemic and super-additive effect. Elements of the system may be interconnected between specific components, and may not interact with some in any way, however, the influence in any case turns out to be comprehensive. It is produced through indirect interaction.
The definition of a system is a term closely related to the phenomenon of hierarchy, which is the definition of various parts of a system as separate systems.
Classification data
Almost all publications that study the theory of systems and systems analysis are engaged in a discussion of how to classify them correctly. The largest variety among the list of opinions on such a difference relates to the definition of complex systems. The predominant part of classifications refers to arbitrary, which is also called empirical. This means that most often authors arbitrarily use this term in case of need to characterize a specific problem being solved. The difference is most often made by definition of the subject and categorical principle.
Among the main properties most often pay attention to:
- The quantitative value of all components of the system, namely, monocomponent or multicomponent.
- When considering a static structure, it is necessary to take into account the state of relative rest and the presence of dynamism.
- Attitude to the closed or open type.
- Characterization of a deterministic system at a particular point in time.
- It is necessary to take into account homogeneity (for example, the population of organisms in the form) or heterogeneity (the presence of various elements with different properties).
- When analyzing a discrete system, regularities and processes are always clearly limited, and in accordance with their origin they are distinguished: artificial, natural, and mixed.
- It is important to pay attention to the degree of organization.
The definition of the system, types of systems and the system as a whole is also connected with the question of their perception as complex or simple. However, there is the greatest number of disagreements when trying to give an exhaustive list of characteristics, according to which it is necessary to distinguish between them.
The concept of probabilistic and deterministic system
The definition of the term “system” created and proposed by Art. Beer, has become one of the most widely known and widespread around the world. He put a combination of the levels of determinism and complexity into the foundation of the difference, and he got probabilistic and deterministic. An example of the latter is simple structures, such as window latches and projects of mechanized workshops. Complexes are represented by computers and automation.
A probabilistic arrangement of elements in a simple form can serve as a coin toss, jellyfish movement, the presence of statistical control in relation to the quality of the products. Among the complex examples of the system, one can recall the storage of reserves, conditioned reflexes, etc. The highly complex forms of the probabilistic type: the concept of economics, the structure of the brain, a firm, etc.
Ashby's Law
The definition of a system is closely related to Ashby's law. In the case of creating a certain structure in which the components have connections among themselves, it is necessary to determine the presence of a problem-solving ability. It is important that the system has a variety that exceeds the same indicator for the problem that is being worked on. The second feature is the ability of the system to create such diversity. In other words, the system device must be adjusted so that it can change its properties in response to a change in the conditions of the problem being solved or a manifestation of perturbation.
In the absence of such characteristics in the studied phenomenon, the system will not be able to satisfy the requirements for management tasks. It will become ineffective. It is also important to pay attention to the presence of diversity in the list of subsystems.
The concept of general theory
The definition of a system is not only its general characteristic, but also a set of various important aspects. One of them is the concept of a general theory of systems, which is presented in the form of a scientific and methodological concept for researching the objects that make up a system. It is interconnected with such a terminological unit as the “systematic approach”, and is a list of its specific principles and methodologies. The first form of the general theory was put forward by L. Von Bertalanffy, and his idea was based on the recognition of the isomorphism of the fundamental statements responsible for the control and functional capabilities of system objects.