[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# The Four Waves of Systems Thinking

## Details

**Authors** Cabrera D, Cabrera L, Midgley G

**Year** 2023

**Publisher** Handbook of Systems Thinking

**Kind of work** chapter, article

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.000051) 
10.54120/jost.000051

## In authors' words

### Abstract

This Handbook is about the past, present, and future of systems thinking. It captures the history of systems thinking over its first three ‘waves,’ which are thought of as significant paradigmatic time periods in the history of the field. It then introduces a (possible) emerging fourth wave. Herein, we review the first three waves, as they have been written about in depth before, and dedicate more space to describing the fourth wave, as this is likely to be new to many readers. We cover all four waves as an entree to the many chapters, which were both recommended by an International Advisory Board (listed and thanked in the front material of this book), and written by esteemed invited authors. These chapters aptly describe the various frameworks that characterize the different waves; and notably include how those frameworks have continued to evolve since their origin.

## Commentary

### Response

Published in the Handbook of Systems Thinking (Cabrera, Cabrera & Midgley, eds., 2023), a volume built on the premise that systems thinking now has a universal theory—DSRP-484. Its contents were selected on that basis by its editorial team in concert with a team of advisors.

## Refers to

- [Handbook of Systems Thinking](https://dsrpevidence.org/element/382)

## Questions it bears on

- Referred to by: [Response to paper “Systems thinking” by D. Cabrera et al.:: The unification of systems thinking: Is there gold at the end of the rainbow?](https://dsrpevidence.org/element/117)

**How to cite this** Cabrera D, Cabrera L, Midgley G (2023). The Four Waves of Systems Thinking. Handbook of Systems Thinking.