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# Boundary Critique: A Minimal Concept Theory of Systems Thinking

## Details

**Authors** Cabrera D

**Year** 2006

**Publisher** Proceedings of the 50th Annual Meeting of the ISSS

**Kind of work** proceedings

[Read it](https://journals.isss.org/index.php/proceedings50th/article/view/403)

## In authors' words

### Abstract

Among a diverse array of general principles proposed for systems thinking are "boundary critique", multiple perspectives, organization, and interconnectedness. Yet, no general theory of systems thinking (differentiated from a general systems theory) integrates these proposals. In "Minimal Cell Model" scientists model a single cell based only on the parts that are absolutely necessary for cell function. Some of the ways that scientists have progressed in their understanding of the components and interactions of a minimal cell is to use a technique called "knock out analysis" in which they remove or "knock out" one component at a time to see if the cell can function without that component. Because systems thinking emphasizes thinking, a theory of systems thinking must be conceptual—that is, it must deal with concepts as its unit of analysis. Thus, a theory of systems thinking is a theory of how conceptual systems behave. By way of analogy to the minimal cell model, the simplest conceptual system is a "minimal concept model". I propose a complex adaptive model based on a simple rule set and fractal-like self-similarity across conceptual scale as a Minimal Concept Theory of Systems Thinking (MCT/ST). MCT/ST offers a formal integration of several principles of systems thinking. I present a formal algorithm for the theory and present several empirical research studies leading to the formalization. I also propose that MCT/ST may serve as a foundation of new education programs in systems thinking, science, and methodology.

## Commentary

**Patterns it shows** D, S, R, P

**How to cite this** Cabrera D (2006). Boundary Critique: A Minimal Concept Theory of Systems Thinking. Proceedings of the 50th Annual Meeting of the ISSS.