From Systems to Plectics: the Challenge of Systemic Inquiry in Measurement, Modelling and Pedagogy

Abstract

This paper briefly reviews some of the most prominent systems theories from the 20th century and supports the arguments of Murray Gell-Mann who proposed the use of "plectics" instead of the overused and ambiguous "systems science" and "systems theories" terms. It is claimed that measurement of complex systems is essentially a modeling task as the boundaries between the specific steps of the scientific method are necessarily blurred. A critical and extended interpretation of the scientific method, systems modeling and addressing the difficulty of teaching systems science-related disciplines completes the arguments for an integrated, truly systemic view of this field.