Systems Theory — Philosophy of Systems Science: Cross-Disciplinary Commonalities: Why Do Systems Exhibit Similarity?

In the modern scientific perspective, the similarity of systemsis no longer seen as a mere coincidence, but rather as a core essence exhibited by complex systems as a whole during their evolution. As we have observed, various disciplines in modern science have gradually developed similar general concepts and perspectives.

Resonance of Deep-Lying Principles

This cross-domain similarity stems fromthe cluster of self-organization theoriesfor support. Whether it is photon synchronization in lasers, orderly flow in Bernard units, or sudden shifts in public opinion, they all exhibit remarkable similarity in their mathematical models. As systems theory states:systems—whether physical, chemical, biological, or socialwhen faced with nonlinear influences far from equilibrium, will follow highly consistent dynamical laws.

Dialectical Unity: Generality and Specificity

System similarity is a fundamental characteristic of systems: It reflects the 'generality' of the universe at the level of organizational evolution.
The so-called similarity: refers to the discipline that studies one or more similar aspects of systems.
The purpose of this research is to anticipate and explain complex phenomena in specific domains by grasping general principles, thereby achieving the great leap of science from 'vertical depth' to 'horizontal integration'.

QUESTION 1

According to the course content, why do different disciplines exhibit 'system similarity'?

Because different disciplines study identical material carriers

Because complex systems exhibit universal mechanisms across disciplines during evolution

This is merely a coincidental consistency of mathematical formulas

Because social systems are imitating the operation of physical systems

QUESTION 2

What is the core concept describing system evolution from a synergetics perspective?

Absolute equilibrium state

Order parameter

Linear superposition

Static structure

QUESTION 3

Which of the following theories does NOT belong to the 'cluster of self-organization theories' supporting system similarity?

Dissipative Structure Theory

Newtonian Classical Mechanics

Hypercycle Theory

Catastrophe Theory

QUESTION 4

What dialectical relationship in systems theory does 'similarity is not identity' illustrate?

Part and Whole

Structure and Function

Generality and Specificity

Input and Output

QUESTION 5

What does the shift in modern scientific paradigms mean?

Disciplines are becoming increasingly isolated and disconnected

Abandoning research in specific fields and focusing solely on philosophical contemplation

Shifting from vertical depth in single domains to horizontal integration across disciplines

All scientific branches will merge into physics

Cross-Domain Phenomenon Analysis: From Lasers to Public Opinion

Applying the principle of system similarity to analyze complex phenomena

Physicist Haken discovered that the process of photons in a laser evolving from chaotic emission to synchronized alignment shares high structural isomorphism with the sudden large-scale outbreak and formation of unified public opinion in society. Both involve collective action among numerous subsystems and abrupt state transitions.

1. Using the principle of 'system similarity', explain why physical and social systems can share the same mathematical model?

Answer:
This is because system similarity is a fundamental feature. Regardless of whether the material carrier is photons or human individuals, when systems are far from equilibrium, subjected to nonlinear influences, and produce collective effects, their evolutionary mechanisms (such as phase transitions governed by order parameters) are universal. This dynamical 'generality' determines the cross-domain applicability of mathematical models.

2. In this case, what is 'generality' and what is 'specificity'?

Answer:
‘Generality’ refers to the universal laws and mathematical descriptions of systems evolving from disorder to order, governed by order parameters; ‘specificity’ refers to the unique physical quantities and specific rules of different systems, such as electromagnetic interactions in physical systems and psychological contracts and information propagation in social systems.

3. What is the practical significance of studying this similarity for predicting social crises (e.g., financial meltdowns or public opinion storms)?

Answer:
By studying relatively simple models of physical or biological systems, scientists can extract critical signals of system instability and phase transitions. Transferring these 'general principles' to socioeconomic domains can help us anticipate potential systemic risks and structural changes, even when data is scarce or systems are too complex.