What is the system?
What do people mean when they talk about the system? After all, most of us use this word intuitively, without thinking about its meaning. In this article, we will talk about what a system is in the general sense.
Definition: what is the system
Due to the fact that this concept is used invarious spheres of human activity and scientific disciplines, he has many definitions. The use of a particular definition depends on which system is involved (area of knowledge), and in what context the system is considered. However, all definitions are reduced to the fact that the system is a clearly ordered set of several elements that represent a single whole, all elements of the system are subject to the same laws and are interrelated. Also, the system can be part of a larger system, and in this case it will act as an element of a larger system.
From this definition follows another concept - "element". And, therefore, one more question arises: what is the element of the system?
The system element is an integral part of the system. Part of the system can be various objects, organisms, phenomena, information, knowledge.
Many of us at least once, but heard suchword combinations as: "political system", "information system", "food system", "nervous system", "education system" and so on. All these are systems of different fields of knowledge.
Signs of the system
In order for an object to be viewed as a system, it must have certain properties (attributes):
- Integrity. First of all, the system is considered as a collection of elements. Elements that enter the system can differ in functions and properties, but they are compatible, and function as a single entity.
- Structure (set of links). The creation of a single whole from disparate parts without a clear structure is impossible, so the next important feature of the system is the interrelationships of the elements. Depending on how the elements are interrelated in the system, the properties of the system will be different. That is, the same elements, with different connections, will form different systems of properties. In addition, the links between the elements of the system are stronger than those of the same elements with the external environment.
- Emergence. A system can have properties that are not inherent in any element of the system, that is, not every element of the system individually determines the properties of the system, namely the relationship between these elements.
- Synergy. The functionality of the system, its properties exceed the total capabilities of all elements of the system.
Classification of systems
There is a rather large variety of classifications of systems. Let's consider some of them:
- By origin they distinguish: natural, artificial and mixed systems. In different situations, the same system can refer to one or the other kind. For example, an ecological system is a natural system, formed by natural forces, possessing certain characteristics, and inhabited by various living organisms. If we are talking about the lake, then this is a natural ecological system, and a reservoir, this is an artificially created ecosystem.
- The number of elements and the complexity of their connections are distinguished: simple and complex systems.
- By their relationship with the external environment, they distinguish: open and closed (closed) systems. For example, the subglacial lake of the Antarctic is a closed system, and the impact of the environment on it is practically nonexistent. But if we talk about lakes on the surface of the Earth, then they are all open ecosystems, influenced by rainfall, rivers, people and other elements of the environment that flow into them.
- On the ability to develop: static and dynamic. Static systems do not change over time, dynamic conversely.
- By degree of organization: diffuse (poorly organized), self-organizing (developing), well-organized. Thus, economic entities (the system) that work in one sphere achieve different goals, and to a greater extent their success depends on how effectively management in these organizations, how quickly the system reacts to changes in the external environment (for example, the state of the market, for the trade organization).
What is the type of system
Various types of systems are called systems,consisting of the same type of elements that are in different connections, and performing similar functions. An excellent example are the types of nervous systems of different organisms: the diffuse nervous system, the stem nervous system, and others.
Now you know what a system is, and you can safely use that term in your speech.
