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General Systems Toolkit

by Russell A. Dewey, PhD

Table of Contents

The Beginnings of General System Theory

Different Approaches to General System Theory

What is a General System Principle

Important Characteristics of Systems

Defining a System

Hierarchical Structure: The Architecture of Complexity

Self-Organization

Efficiency of Modular Construction

Top Down vs Bottom-Up Processing

Negative Feedback

Positive Feedback

Rhythmic Behavior in Systems

Rhythmic Behavior in Systems

Synchronization

Amplification and Damping

Growth Processes

Growth Phenomena

Linear vs. Exponential Growth

Saltatory Processes

Creativity: Variation with Selective Retention

Truth-Telling

Truth and Non-trivial Prediction

Triangulation and Convergence

Tautology: Not Always Bad

The Future of General Systems

Addenda

21 Principles in this Toolkit

Copyright © 2007-2018 Russ Dewey

Send email to Dr. Dewey