Systems Science
The transdisciplinary study of systems as such — seeking universal principles that apply across physical, biological, social, and engineered domains.
Formal Definitions
Mobus & Kalton (2015):
Systems science is defined operationally through its core claim and methodology:
“Bounded networks of relations among parts constitute a holistic unit. Systems interact with other systems, forming yet larger systems. The Universe is composed of systems of systems.”
(Principles of Systems Science, Principle 1: Systemness, Section 2.3)
The discipline is grounded in a formal ontological framework:
“Elements in the directed graph denote terms that will be used in the top-level ontology of systems. These are the things that exist by virtue of the Universe organizing as it does, through auto-organization, emergence, and evolution… These are the core things that we will look for in our analysis of systems regardless of the level of organization or complexity.”
(Section 3.5)
At its foundation, systems science provides a mathematical formalism applicable to any domain:
“A system S is a 7-tuple: S = ⟨C, I, Δ, N, G, B, T, H⟩ where C is composition, I is interfaces, Δ is transformations, N is network structure, G is governance, B is boundary, T is time scale, and H is history.”
(Section 4.3)
Bunge (1979):
“The concept of a system is the cornerstone of the scientific ontology we shall outline… it has replaced the root concepts of both atomism (thing) and holism (totality).”
(A World of Systems, Introduction)
Bunge positions systems science as a middle path between reductionism and holism — neither reducing wholes to parts nor treating wholes as unanalyzable.
Synthesis
Mobus defines systems science through operational universality: a single formal framework (the 7-tuple) that captures boundary, structure, flow, state, and function for any domain. This framework is paired with principles (Systemness, Dynamics, Governance, Evolution) that describe universal patterns.
Bunge provides the philosophical grounding: systems science replaces both atomistic reductionism and mystical holism with rigorous analysis of structured wholes.
Together: systems science is the study of how parts become wholes and how wholes constrain parts — pursued through formal methods applicable across all domains.
Core Principles
Mobus identifies several foundational principles:
- Systemness — bounded networks form holistic units
- Dynamics — systems adjust through feedback loops
- Hierarchy — subsystems nest recursively
- Emergence — wholes have properties parts lack
- Adaptation — systems evolve with environments
- Governance — systems have regulatory subsystems
Key Insight
Systems science is not merely interdisciplinary but transdisciplinary — it doesn’t borrow from multiple fields but provides concepts applicable across all fields. The 7-tuple can describe a cell, a corporation, an ecosystem, or a blockchain. This is the claim of isomorphism: similar patterns recur across radically different domains.
Related Concepts
- System — the fundamental unit
- Emergence — why wholes aren’t reducible
- Structure — what systems science analyzes
- Hierarchy — recursive organization
Applied Domains
- Cryptoeconomics — systems science of blockchain coordination
- Neuromorphics — systems science of brain-inspired computing
- Political Economy — systems science of governance