Frequently Asked Questions About Systems Thinking
What is a system?
“A system is a collection of parts that work together to achieve a common goal. The parts can be physical objects, activities or ideas.”
Where did the word system come from?
The modern word system comes originally from the Ancient Greek word sustēma meaning “organized whole”. The word sustema (σύστημα ) came together from the words sun – which meant “with, together” and histanai which meant “to cause to stand” or “set up”. The ancient Greek language existed between 1500 and 300 BC.
The Oxford English Dictionary’s first recording of the word system is in the 1580s. It was noted slightly later in the early 1600s as the French word systeme, and the Late Latin word systema. At that time it meant “the whole creation, the universe” possibly in association with the developments in astronomy at the time. For the next almost 400 years, use of the word system remained low as it gradually expanded into new subjects of study. Over this period it accumulated 31 meanings in 15 different fields beginning in music, ancient Greek history, astronomy, literature, and later in anatomy, plant physiology, taxonomy, prosody, hairdressing, betting, crystals, geology, weather, metal industry and, most recently, in computing.
An abrupt significant rise in its use occurred around 1960 in association with recent developments in General Systems Theory that introduced models, principles and laws applying to systems in general.
What is systems thinking?
Systems thinking is a way of understanding systems by looking at the relationships between the parts of the system rather than the parts themselves. By using a systems thinking approach people can explore and develop effective actions in complex situations. (AI generated, reviewed and adapted)
Who coined the term systems thinking?
Barry Richmond is credited with coining the term “systems thinking” in 1987. Barry lived during the period in the 20th century when a cluster of academic pioneers were rapidly expanding the theoretical foundation and applications of the young Systems Sciences discipline. As a student of Jay Forrester who recently had founded the System Dynamics discipline, Barry was one of Jays several early researchers extending his feedback relationship concepts into the crossdisciplinary setting of blended physical and social sciences. Barry drew academic attention to the visual simplicity and generic applicability of the stock-and-flow symbols Jay had created to diagram his models. Barry highlighted this visually recognizable common language (lingua franca) as an important means to “make thinking visible” to others.
Barry named a series of twelve systems thinking skills that formed a problem-solving method that remains one of the widely accepted approaches to thinking about systems. He also introduced the term global systems thinking citizen as he envisioned a world-wide community of systems thinkers.
Here is a definition of systems thinking by Barry Richmond:
“Systems Thinking is the art and science of making reliable inferences about behavior by developing an increasingly deep understanding of underlying structure”.
What are the affinities between Systems Thinking, Critical Thinking and Design Thinking?
Systems Thinking, Critical Thinking and Design Thinking all became formal disciplines arising independently of each other during the latter half of the 20th century alongside the early development of General Systems Theory. They had each been inspired by a small group of multidisciplinary thinkers who were themselves from diverse educational backgrounds. These three disciplines outlined highly versatile approaches that help people build basic thinking skills with greater self awareness. They wanted people to evaluate their thinking more rigorously, which is a conscious self reflective process called metacognition or meta-thinking.
Systems Thinking, Critical Thinking and Design Thinking complement each other very well when faced with multifaceted challenges. Systems Thinking skills provide a framework for understanding the broader context. Critical Thinking skills sharpen the analytical tools needed to evaluate ideas and evidence. Design Thinking skills drive innovation through empathy and creative problem solving. Each of these thinking approaches emphasizes a reflective and analytical mindset, allowing individuals to improve their reasoning and decision-making capabilities. (AI generated, reviewed and adapted)
Trace your personal journey through Systems Thinking, Critical Thinking and Design Thinking!
This diagram is a static representation of what is really a dynamic relationship between Systems Thinking, Critical Thinking and Design Thinking. If you place yourself at any starting point in this diagram you can mentally trace your personal journey through your preferred regions of the diagram. While everyone’s path is unique and can at times feel like an emotional roller coaster, there are several signposted intersections where you can relax and enjoy being with others, to remind yourself that you are never really alone on your journey!