Towards a Unifying Framework for System Knowledge

Abstract

The premise of System Science is that there are concepts, theories, principles, and practices that are universally transversal and a basis for transdisciplinary wisdom. This paper explores System Science and its organization, emphasizing the necessity of a shared orientation for effective conceptualisation, research, development, education, and application. Drawing from Information Physics and General Systems Theory, particularly Relational Theory, Holarchy, and AIC, it employs an inductive approach to extract essential concepts and integrate them into a cohesive framework. By incorporating philosophical concepts, Principles of Science, Systems Engineering, and Systems Thinking heuristics, the paper presents System Science as a conceptual whole. Once integrated, System Science would provide the theoretical foundations for Systems Engineering, Project Management, Business Management and Governance, helping to foster transdisciplinary integration, equity, effectiveness and efficiency. Humanity would be better equipped to tackle existential challenges like climate change, ecosystem collapse, sustainability goals, digitalization, and the positive integration of artificial intelligence.