complexity.
The lowest level in the hierarchy in the context of system function is the static system (Boulding, 1985, p. 12). Representations of these static structures are similar to maps. The next higher level in the hierarchy in the context of system function is the dynamic system (Boulding, 1985, p. 13). Dynamic systems are static systems that change over time. The third level in the hierarchy in the context of system function is the explanatory system (Boulding, 1985, p. 14). Where both static and dynamic systems describe patterns in space and time, explanatory systems go farther and explain these patterns.
The lowest hierarchical level in the context of system complexity is the mechanical system (Boulding, 1985, p. 18). In mechanical systems, the change in system state is "guided by constant and relatively simple parameters" (Boulding, 1985, p. 18). The next hierarchical level in the context of system complexity is the cybernetic system (Boulding, 1985, p. 19). A cybernetic system is one in which system equilibrium is maintained as a function of negative feedback (Boulding, 1985, p. 19). Thus, cybernetic systems contain three essential elements: a receptor, a transmitter, and an effector (Boulding, 1985, p. 19). Just above the cybernetic system in the systems hierarchy in the context of system complexity is the positive feedback system (Boulding, 1985, p. 20). Positive feedback systems react to disequilibrium. Positive feedback systems, thus, are relatively short lived, because they tend to change into some other form of system as a consequence of their reaction to a state of disequilibrium (Boulding, 1985, p. 20). Above the positive feedback system in the systems hierarchy in the context of system complexity is the creodic system (Boulding, 1985, p. 20). Within a creodic system, a complex process of growth and development occurs as a consequence of the application of information contained within the system (Bo...