TABLe 4.1
Factors That Determine Systemness
NotaSystem
ProtaSystem
System
System of Systems
Factor
No Interaction
Mutual
Consolidate (Synthesis)
Integrated
United
Object
One
Two (minimum)
Two (minimum)
Two objects, each with
Two objects, each with
three mechanisms,
minimum of six
minimum
mechanisms
Boundary
One
At least one object’s
Objects’ boundaries are
Objects’ boundaries are
Objects’ boundaries are
boundary is extended
extended physically
extended physically,
extended physically,
physically
functionally, and
functionally, and
behaviorally
behaviorally
Function
No functions
No new functions,
Function(s) added due
New functions added due
New function added
each object retains its
to changes in
to changes in mechanisms,
due to changes in
functionalities
mechanisms, resulting
many new objects results
objects
in new objects
Property
Intrinsic
Intrinsic
A few objects with
Irreversible properties at
Reversible properties at
irreversible properties
the system level
the system level
change to new objects
Trait
Property in context
Property in context, no Object’s properties in
Objects’ properties in
Objects’ properties in
change in
contexts with each
context with another
context with another
mechanisms
object’s properties
objects’ properties
objects’ properties
Attribute
Characteristic of
Reversible changes in
Some irreversible
Many irreversible changes
Reversible changes in
like-kind objects
attributes
changes in attributes
in attributes
some attributes
Reciprocity
None
Minimum interaction
Minimum required to
Satisfies the law of system
Satisfies the law of
(requires two objects)
sustain some
reciprocity for some
system reciprocity
interactions
EMMI
continued
Systems
199