A Systemic View of Systems Theories

Here you can find a simple framework for describing a systems theory or teaching. Please contact us to submit your’s!

Comparing theories by first looking at their concepts seems logical, but it leads to confusion. Needed, ironically, is a more systemic way to look at systems theories.

Instead, first consider context: the author’s worldview, the scope of the theory, and what the intent of the theory is. What kinds of problems does it address? What does it include that is missing in other theories? Then consider its structure and its word usage/terminology. After putting the theory or teaching into this framework, then concepts can be compared.

These frameworks are works in progress. The framework template and the frameworks posted have “last updated” fields, and could very well be updated in the near future. — Lynn Rasmussen