System

A system is a set of interrelated and interdependent elements (a.k.a. parts, things), groups (a.k.a. types, categories, sets) into which the elements fall, and interaction patterns that describe the interactions between the different types of elements within a system. A system has a nature and structures.

A system act according to a set of known rules to form a unified whole.  A system has boundaries.  A system can be natural, such as the solar system, or designed by humans, such as a bicycle. Or, a system can be a hybrid having natural and designed aspects.  Modern systems theory also acknowledges hybrid systems (e.g., urban ecosystems shaped by both natural processes and human design).

A system tends to have some deliberate, intentional aim; the goal(s) and/or objective(s) of the system.

A natural system is a system that occurs naturally (i.e. no human involvement in the natural system).  A designed system is a system intentionally created by humans (i.e. does not otherwise exist in nature).  A logical system is a type of designed system based on logic. A designed system is engineered to meet particular set of needs and can be adjusted or redesigned. Systems evolve over time.

A logical system can be explained using a logical theory.  A logical theory is an abstract conceptualization  of specific important details of the nature and structure of some logical system which relates to some area of knowledge. The logical theory provides a way of thinking about the logical system by means of logical statements, deductive reasoning to derive logical consequences of the logical theory by explaining the logical patterns of that system.

A logical theory provides a description and an explanation.

A logical theory enables a community of stakeholders trying to achieve a specific goal or objective or a range of goals/objectives to agree on the nature and structure in the form of important logical statements used for capturing meaning or representing a shared understanding of and knowledge in some area of knowledge. A logical theory forms a conceptualization. The conceptualization helps stakeholders understand each other and communicate with respect to the system.

A logical theory enables a community of stakeholders to achieve a shared understanding of a system. Using that logical theory a system can be discussed and improved creating a virtuous cycle of improvement.

The following is a graphic which shows the full set of capabilities necessary for a system which is modeled after the semantic web stack or "layer cake":

A system is a general concept.  A software agent is one specific type of system.

Systems do not exist in isolation.  One system can interact with one or more other systems to create a workflow.  One system can be a subsystem of some other larger system.

Additional Information:


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