Systems Theory — Philosophy of Systems Science

This book is a profound monograph on the philosophy of systems science, grounded in modern sciences such as general systems theory, cybernetics, information theory, and dissipative structure theory. It explores the historical origins of systems science, examines the characteristics of five major systems—cosmos, life, mind, ecology, and society—and summarizes eight principles and five laws of systems theory, thereby constructing a comprehensive dialectical materialist system theory framework.

Explore the philosophical depth of systems science and build a dialectical materialist worldview of systems theory.

Author: Wei Hongsen, Zeng Guoping

Acknowledgments: This book was published by Tsinghua University Press. During its writing, it received guidance and review from experts including Qian Xuesen and Song Jian, and drew upon relevant research findings from China’s postgraduate education programs.

1. Articulate the systemic holistic view and dynamic cyclical principles found in Zhouyi and the yin-yang-wu xing (Five Elements) theory.
2. Analyze Laozi and Zhuangzi’s concept of "Dao" and its connection to modern self-organization theory.
3. Interpret the cosmological models of Zhou Dunyi and Shao Yong, and identify binary thinking within Fuxi’s Eight Trigrams.
4. Recognize the principle of holistic optimization and structural connectivity in early engineering cases such as the Dujiangyan irrigation system.
5. Deeply understand the foundational significance of Aristotelian "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" and Leibniz’s "pre-established harmony" for systems science.
6. Trace the logical evolution from Kant’s nebular hypothesis to Hegel’s process-oriented systems thinking.
7. Identify the early emergence of systemic perspectives in 19th-century natural sciences and explain their role in advancing systems thought.
8. Explain Marx’s idea of the “organic society” and how systems thinking can be used to analyze the dialectical unity of productive forces and production relations.
9. Apply Engels’ theories on structure and function, whole and part, hierarchy, and self-organization to analyze the operational patterns of complex systems.
10. Clarify the contradiction between classical mechanics and biological evolution, and emphasize the necessity of statistical, evolutionary, and systemic approaches in modern science.