Also known as general theory of systems (TGS). Specialists consider that the subject can be defined, as a theory compared to other theories, since its objective is to find rules that can generally be applied to all kinds of systems and in any state of reality. This consists of modules or segments arranged in pieces that are closely interrelated and that interact with each other.
They distinguish between types of conceptual or ideal system (based on an organized group of definitions, symbols and other instruments related to thought). And a real one (material entity comprised of ordered components that interact in such a way that the properties of the set cannot be completely deduced from the properties of the parts).
However, systems theories continue to emerge, such as the one that emerged from the hand of the biology specialist Ludwig von Bertalanffy and with the passage of time it spread to different fields of study such as cybernetics and information. The German sociologist Niklas Luhmann (1927-1998) also took on the task of adapting and applying systems theory in the field of social sciences.
The principles of systems theory:
- Integrity and totality: the parts of a system are made of interdependent fragments and therefore the system is not the sum total of its parts, as it is characterized by its unity. For example, a family is a total, integrated system, so any change that occurs at the individual level will cause changes to the other parts of the system.
- hierarchy: it is the way in which a system is organized, a complex system includes a number of subsystems.
- Equifinality and equifinality: the notion of equifinality is the fact that a system can or manages to achieve the same final state from the same initial conditions. While equicausality refers to the fact that the same initial conditions can give rise to different final states.
