Definition of Systems Theory

The word system comes from the Greek systema and with it the union of elements is expressed in a coordinated way. Thus, a bicycle, a living organism, a society or a company receive this name, since they all present a structure in which their different elements maintain a union.

It is an explanatory model that emerged in the twentieth century in the field of natural sciences and spread to other spheres

It was the Austrian philosopher and biologist Ludwing Von Bertalanfy who first developed general systems theory. Its postulates affirm that organisms alive present a dimension cohesive and at the same time open.

In this sense, nature in general and organisms in particular have a number of characteristics:

1) each being is integrated into a larger whole,

2) the relationship structures of a globality tend to retain their identity,

3) the alteration in one aspect or part affects its entirety,

4) there is a constant exchange of information between the elements or parts of any system and

5) the functions of a globality that are no longer operational are assumed by other parties.

On synthesis, everything that exists in nature has a close relationship between its different constituent elements. What is relevant in Bertalanfy's vision are not the parts of a system but its global structure. In other words, when studying life you do not use a focus purely biological or chemical of a series of components, but the analysis is proposed taking into account the properties, functions and organization of nature or the organism.

This explanatory model was expanded with cybernetics, in a very special way with the feedback mechanisms that allow a Balance in systems.

According to the theory of autopoiesis exposed by Humberto Maturana, in systems there is the ability to spontaneously reproduce their constituent elements. In the sphere of sociology, this theory has allowed us to better understand the role of human groups. In the psychology This model has been used to explain individual roles within a family structure.

Understanding the phenomenon of education from this paradigm

In an educational center there are a set of elements: students, teachers, pedagogical programs, state laws and the administrative system.

All these parts act in a coordinated way as if they were a living organism in a constant process of transformation.

No part or element of an educational model is totally independent, so everything as a whole works as a global system.

Fotolia photos: Mejn / CurvaBezier

Topics in Systems Theory