A NOVEL APPROACH TO THE CONCEPT OF SYSTEM INFORMATION

Abstract

This paper represents a novel approach to the system information correlating General System Theory, Cybernetic and the Theory of Information. The main objective is to investigate whether “information” is a subjective concept or an objective entity in the physical reality. In this quest, system has been identified as an abstract model for observation and the perception of the world by the human mind. Based on this definition, every phenomenon that can be observed or imagined is perceived as a system. Where there is a system, there should be an observer and hence there exist information in between. Combination of system elements as a whole is explained by System Dynamics. Based on this assertion, the system is in a continuous change and transmutation; a conceptual process that is independent of time and space. In this perspective, time and space are conceived not as the background but the outcomes of the inherent dynamics of the system. It is shown how the time could be considered as sequence of events and the space as relation between system elements. System structure is modeled based on Binary graph as the fundamental topology for combinatory pattern of the system. A new System Algebra is defined, based on which the System Information Matrix (SIM) is introduced to demonstrate information imbedded in a system. This model is also used to evaluate the amount of system information based on Entropy as defined in thermodynamics and in the information theory. Complexity is another parameter of the system that is represented here based on multi-functionality of system elements. This new definition provides basis to quantify this feature of the system. Cybernetic systems categorized as life, machines and composite systems with high degree of complexity such as human societies, are all shown to be distinguishable by exchange of information. In these systems, information flows through different components the same way as it would from any system to the observer. It is concluded that information realized by the observer is a relative objective entity in a system. However, in cybernetic systems having controllers as internal observers, the information is physical and objective regardless of any external observer.