On the nature of systems thinking and systems science: Similarities, differences, and potential synergies

Abstract

This chapter clearly discriminates between the too-often-conflated terms - systems thinking (ST) and systems science (SS). It argues for a halt to this conflation. It presents a more comprehensive list than usual of different systems sources that must be unified to enable SE's to learn and use SS to increase use of its vast unused literature in Systems Engineering (SE). It presents a linear spectrum rather than opposition approach with thinking, philosophy, and design near one end and several new systems-integrated sciences (including SS) at the other end. It suggests several differences and similarities between thinking and science so similarities could enable synergy and complementary improvement within and between the two mega-domains. Balancing the current emphasis on human-based ST with increased study and use of the new SS would result in a more rigorous, prescriptive, and evidence-based Systems Engineering of greatly increased application range.