A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Model theory and observing systems. Notes on the use of models in systems research
Authors: Sverre Moe, Jari Kaivo-oja
Publisher: Emerald
Publication year: 2018
Journal: Kybernetes
Volume: 47
Issue: 9
First page : 1690
Last page: 1703
Number of pages: 14
ISSN: 0368-492X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/K-01-2018-0026
Web address : https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/K-01-2018-0026
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/K-01-2018-0026
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to present three different contributions to a general model theory which the authors think as relevant to systems research based on systems theory, cybernetics and constructivism. This also implies that the three contributions are shown to be of use both in the study of systems that operate by models, as well as in the practice of designing models.
Design/methodology/approachThe text is conceptual and mainly of a descriptive and referring character. Besides the sections on the three contributions to a model theory, the authors have inserted sections that relate them to systems theory. This is also achieved by the help of some simple models.
FindingsThe paper also points to models as important instruments in constructing and selecting information to observing systems, and the authors hope that the text can be helpful in developing better knowledge of how models work.
Originality/valueThe text is about observing systems that observe by models, and that is probably a somewhat new perspective. It is hoped that the paper can be inspiring to further studies on this matter.