Theoretical Systems Thinking and Its Research Mode: Another Important Independent Work in Systems Thinking

Dongping Fan and Linhao Chen

Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 2025, vol. 42, issue 5, 1353-1363

Abstract: Theoretical systems thinking (T‐ST) and applied systems thinking (A‐ST) represent two complementary systems thinking research paths. A‐ST focuses on using systems ideas and systems methodologies to solve practical problems in different fields; T‐ST focuses on discussing the nature of systems thinking and providing theoretical support for applying systems methodologies. The theoretical sources of T‐ST primarily originate from the traditional Eastern and Western systems ideas, interdisciplinary concepts and theories of complexity science. The construction of T‐ST involves abstracting systems ideas and systems principles from theories and general laws about complex systems. Systems ideas such as ‘emergence and hierarchy’, ‘information and control’, ‘evolution and self‐organisation’, constitute the ontological assumptions of a systems worldview. Systems principles function as meta‐methodology, including the principle of non‐reductive systemhood, principle of dialectical synergy and principle of adaptive becoming. We advocate greater attention to and research on T‐ST in the future development of systems thinking.

Date: 2025
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