Introduction to Systems Flashcards
What is the scale of study?
They range from the hydrogen nucleus to the universe, spanning 41 orders of magnitude in distance, and include time scales from nanoseconds to billions of years.
What is scientific reductionism, and how does it work?
Scientific reductionism is the traditional approach of understanding the whole by studying its parts. It involves isolating variables and understanding fundamental laws. For example, Newton’s laws explain planetary motion and falling objects by breaking them down into simpler parts.
What are the limitations of reductionism?
Reductionism faces difficulties in calculating natural phenomena from first principles due to systems being open with energy and material flows, leading to constant changes. An example is the complexity in calculating atmospheric pressure due to variable factors like temperature, humidity, and wind.
What are chaotic systems, and why are they challenging to predict?
Chaotic systems are extremely sensitive to initial conditions, making long-term prediction impossible. They are governed by feedback equations that can lead to unpredictable outcomes. An example is the logistic map equation demonstrating chaos with varying parameters.
What is meant by fractals and self-similarity?
Fractals refer to natural systems exhibiting self-similar patterns at different scales. An example is coastlines appearing similarly irregular at small and large scales.
What are the principles of systems thinking?
Systems thinking emphasizes the importance of both components and their interactions, with emergent properties arising from the whole system. It focuses on understanding relationships rather than isolating parts.
How are biological systems different from mechanical systems?
Biological systems like cells, organisms, and ecosystems can’t be fully understood in isolation. Unlike mechanical systems, their functions rely on relationships within and between scales.
What are the shared characteristics of natural systems?
Earth is described as a dynamic system with movements in its layers, external energy sources from the sun and radioactivity, chemical cycles, and steady-state disequilibrium.
What are the general principles of natural systems?
Natural systems function based on movement, external energy, cycling of matter, feedback, nested scales, and evolution, representing fundamental ways the universe operates.
