Introduction to System Science with MATLAB, 2nd Edition

1Introduction

In this introductory chapter, we will endeavor to define and describe system science as a rigorous, quantitative, scientific discipline for gaining and extending knowledge about ourselves and our environment and rational universe. We first introduce the principle of causality, which provides the essential basis for the effective practice of system science. The causality principle allows us to employ system science with reasonable confidence that our efforts are rational and useful. General applications of the causality principle will be examined, together with a brief background on the discipline of system science and its relation and contributions to the general pursuit of knowledge. The allied fields that system science embraces are briefly outlined to provide an overview of the great breadth and utility of system science. Finally, the chapter closes with a statement of the goals and an outline of this text with alternative study schedules for specific fields of application in system science.

1.1 System Science

Epistemology, which encompasses system science, is that branch of science that embraces the acquisition of knowledge by humans. Epistemology is derived from the Greek root “episteme” meaning to know or have knowledge. Epistemology attempts to address the various ways in which we seek to comprehend and validate our observations of and experiences with our environment and ourselves. Our observational abilities include our mental, physical, and emotional ...