General systems theory (GST) is a science investigating general laws for functional integrities, i.e., “systems” understood as complicated arrangements of units or components. The chapter provides both historical outline and brief state-of-art of GST.

The general systems theory, together with systems analysis, systems dynamics, or operations research, represents a methodology that uses a systems approach to understand the world, together with its complex problems and/or phenomena.

General systems theory is about developing broadly applicable concepts and principles, as opposed to concepts and principles specific to one domain of knowledge. It distinguishes dynamic or active systems from static or passive systems.

"General systems theory is a set of related definitions, assumptions, and propositions which deal with reality as an integrated hierarchy of organizations of matter and energy." The mathematics of General Systems Theory is based largely upon set theory.

General systems theory aims at meaningful integration of all knowledge. Its goal is unification of sciences and scientific analysis. The movement in this direction was started in 1920 by Ludwig von Bertallanfy, but it could flourish only after the Second World War.

The goal of general systems theory (GST) is to model the properties and relationships common to all systems, regardless of their specific components, or the academic disciplines in which they are studied.

The basic concepts of general systems theory are introduced, together with some well-known laws and principles; related topics, such as cybernetics and information theory, are also examined.

FOUNDATIONS OF GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY In the late 1920's von Bertalanffy wrote: Since the fundamental character of the living thing is its organization, the cus-tomary investigation of the single parts and processes cannot provide a complete explanation of the vital phenomena. This investigation gives us no information

2011年1月1日 · This chapter explores the general system theory (GST) that turns out to be the name for systems science in statu nascendi from which many ramifications followed in the course of the history of systems science. The complex systems approach as the most recent development of the new paradigm seems to have more in common with the original ideas ...

2018年5月9日 · We present an argument that development of the General Systems Worldview can guide us to the discovery of general systems principles for a GST*, and that together GST* and the GSW can ground the development of a powerful General Systems Transdiscipline, now called “General Systemology”.