Meaning of system (what is it, concept and definition)

What is System:

A system is a set of interrelated elements that works as a whole.

Although each of the elements of a system can function independently, it will always be part of a larger structure. Similarly, a system can itself be a component of another system.

The word system comes from the Latin systēma , and this from the Greek σύστημα ( systema ), identified in Spanish as “union of things in an organized way”. Others are derived from this word such as antisystem or ecosystem.

Similarly, there is a current of philosophical thought called systemism, created by the Argentine epistemologist Mario Bunge, which proposes that everything that exists is a system or a component of a more complex system.

Types of systems

There are two main types of systems:

Conceptual or abstract systems

A conceptual system is all the ideas, concepts, signs, hypotheses, theories or symbols that are used to create a construct, that is, a hypothetical entity.

An example of a conceptual system is mathematics, which in turn is made up of several abstract components (algebra, calculus, etc.).

Real or material systems

They are structures made up of tangible elements, whether of natural or artificial origin.

Examples of real systems are the human body or the hardware of a computer.

Examples of systems

There are countless examples of systems where you can see how different components can work independently, but always being part of a structure with a higher level of organization. Here are some of them:

System in biology

A biological system is a structure or network made up of a series of components that fulfill essential functions to maintain the survival of said system.

In the case of the human being, there are several systems that help fulfill vital functions, such as:

Digestive system

The digestive system is the set of organs that are responsible for processing the food that living beings eat.

It is made up of the esophagus, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, liver, and pancreas.

Nervous system

The nervous system coordinates and directs all the functions and activities of the organism such as digestion, respiration, blood circulation, among others.

The components of this system are the brain, cerebellum, medulla oblongata, spinal cord, and nerve endings.

See also:

• Human body, nervous system.

Solar system

The solar system is the set of astronomical objects that revolve around the Sun. In the solar system there are eight planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune) and five dwarf planets (Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake and Eris), in addition to other celestial bodies.

Operating system

An operating system is a program or set of programs typical of a computer system that are part of the software and manages and manages the hardware resources, allowing the use of application programs exclusively.

Some examples of operating systems are Microsoft Windows , Mac OS X , GNU / Linux and Unix.

Information system

An information system is a set of elements organized and oriented to the treatment and administration of data and information to cover a need or objective. It is characterized by the efficiency in which the data is processed in relation to a specific area.

The elements that make up an information system are people, data, work activities or techniques, and computer or communication material resources in general.

Education system

The educational system is a structure made up of a set of institutions and organizations, public and private, that elaborate and develop educational plans, finance and provide various school services as established in each country.

Among the elements of the educational system, we can mention schools, universities, teachers, students, libraries and public organisms destined to the area of ​​education and culture.

System caracteristics

For a set of elements to be considered a system it must have some characteristics:

objective

Each of the components or elements of the system contributes to the achievement of an objective or purpose.

For example, the different organs of the digestive system have a particular function, but they work together to break down food and obtain the nutrients necessary for life.

Whole

The elements of a system function as a set. Therefore, an alteration in a component implies an alteration in the system.

For example, if the stomach is not working properly due to discomfort or illness, this causes an alteration in the entire digestive system.

Entropy

Entropy is the degree of disorder existing in a process. One of the characteristics of the systems is that, as time passes, the entropy increases.

An example of entropy would be all the physical ailments associated with the aging of the human body.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the ability of the components of the system to self-regulate before external changes.

An example of homeostasis is the regulation of body temperature in humans, which allows us to tolerate changes in climate.