Repository | Book | Chapter

In the previous chapter I noted the importance of distinguishing between abstract and paradigmatic definitions of" system". In this chapter I shall deal with both of these intellectual matters in order to clarify the point further, and to focus on the implications of this for understanding" system". There is, however, a third significant yet contentless custom for the term" system". That concerns a nonintellectual everyday use. What follows is in three parts. First, the trivialized everyday use will be quickly dealt with and disposed of. Second, the historical development of abstract notions of" system" will be explored and a broad range of conceptions in the form of systemic metaphors will be discussed. Third, a general framework is described and drawn upon to show how a variety of paradigmatic definitions of" system" and the oft-related concept "complexity" can be explored. Through this analysis we will uncover an epistemological break in systems thinking and will consider the implications of this, before moving on to consider the need for a further epistemological break.

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-2477-3_5

Full citation: