Let us begin by observing that the word "system" is almost never used by itself; it is generally accompanied by an adjective or other modifier: physical system; biological system; social system; economic system; axiom system; religious system; and even "general" system. This usage suggests that, when confronted by a system of any kind, certain of its properties are to be subsumed under the adjective, and other properties are subsumed under the "system," while still others may depend essentially on both. The adjective describes what is special or particular; i. e., it refers to the specific "thinghood" of the system; the "system" describes those properties which are independent of this specific "thinghood."


"Some comments on systems and system theory," (1986)

Robert Rosen Quotes

Let us begin by observing that the word system is almost never used by itself; it is generally accompanied by an adjective or other modifier:...

Let us begin by observing that the word system is almost never used by itself; it is generally accompanied by an adjective or other modifier:...

Let us begin by observing that the word system is almost never used by itself; it is generally accompanied by an adjective or other modifier:...

Let us begin by observing that the word system is almost never used by itself; it is generally accompanied by an adjective or other modifier:...