Using the image above, identify a system(s) and describe its structural properties,

functional attributes, and controls.

What is a System?
A set of interacting or interdependent components forming an integrated whole
Etymology Greek systma

Latin word systma

Composition

Emergence

Types of Systems Entities or Components

Social Systems
Biological and Physical Systems
Symbolic Systems

System Characteristics
Entities and Components

Boundaries and Interface

Inputs and Outputs
Control

Feedback

Structure

System Characteristics
Entities and Components
Function

Structure
Function
Behavior

Behavior

System Characteristics
Boundaries and Interfaces
Surroundings

Social Systems -

Biological and Physical Systems System

Symbolic Systems -

Types of Systems - Boundaries

Open

Closed

Isolated

Matter

Energy

System Characteristics
Control
Control A property (internal or external) that
guides or regulates the structure, function, or
behavior of a system.
Examples -

System Characteristics
Feedbacks
A feedback is a process (read information) in
which the output of an action that arises from
within the system operates as an input that
modifies or influences the action.
A feedback is a form of control.
Cybernetics The study of feedbacks.

System Characteristics
Homeostatis
Homeostatis - The property of a system that
regulates its internal environment and tends to
maintain a stable, relatively constant condition of
properties (structure, function, and/or dynamic
behavior).
Examples Relevant topics - equilibrium, steady-state, limit
cycles, Chaos.

Hierarchic Systems
a system that is composed of interrelated
subsystems, each of the latter being, in turn,
hierarchic in structure until we reach some
lowest level of elementary subsystem.
Simon (1962)

ASSIGNMENT:
Simon, H.A. 1962. The architecture of complexity.
Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society 106: 467-82.

Hierarchic Systems
There once were two
watchmakers, named Hora and
Tempus, who manufactured very
fine watches. Both of them were
highly regarded, and the phones in
their workshops rang frequently new customers were constantly
calling them. However, Hora
prospered, while Tempus became
poorer and poorer and finally lost
his shop. What was the reason?
Simon 1962

Hierarchic Systems
Near Decomposibility
Intra-component link- ages are
generally stronger than
intercomponent linkages.

This fact has the effect of

separating the high-frequency
dynamics of a hierarchy-involving
the internal structure of the
components- from the low
frequency dynamics-involving
inter- action among components.
Simon (1962)

Hierarchic Systems
a system that is composed of interrelated
subsystems, each of the latter being, in turn,
hierarchic in structure until we reach some
lowest level of elementary subsystem.
Simon (1962)

Significance/Emergent Properties

Scale of Observation

Mechanisms

Assignment
In each of seven
houses are seven cats;
each cat kills seven mice;
each mouse would have
eaten seven ears of spelt
(wheat); each ear of spelt
would have produced
seven hekat (half a peck)
of grain. Query: How
much grain is saved by
the seven houses
cats?...

Define the System in terms of the entities and components

Define the Boundaries

Identify the Controls and Feedbacks

What would Homeostasis look like