Systems theory is the interdisciplinary study of systems. The most important thing about systems theory for me is that the core concept of the thinking and analysis is in fact very simple.
Instead of being distracted by the numerous symptoms of our problems and asking idiotic questions about them, systems theory goes to look at the root cause. For instance, this process is enlightening and essential in today's modern political economy where all the manipulated data and noise we are presented with serves to obfuscate the roots of a system which is inherently exploitative and unfair. If we allow ourselves to be distracted by endless news, trends, and speculation we will never have time to understand the historical, biological, or philosophical roots of whichever problem we are addressing.
Systems thinking looks at systems in broad terms to define their scope, constraints, motivating factors, and key points of influence or leverage. The system can be defined in different stages of complexity, the values implied, and the context or environment of the system. One of my favorite concepts in systems theory is assessing the efficiency of intervening in different points in a system for change or improvement. These go from the weaker measures of changing policy/standards or feedback loops to stronger measures of changing information or material flows and rules... to the ultimate level of changing the distribution of power, goals and the paradigm itself!
As we grow and learn in our daily lives and through our interactions and contributions on Steemit, keep in mind the larger power structures of information, expectations, and belief systems that we've been taught to have faith in with our society. When we can get above the noise and the false reasoning, dichotomies, and divisions that are cast upon us we can better comprehend the flaws in the system and attempt to change them at the highest level. Systems Theory is an excellent grounding tool for evaluating your actions and time management in all facets of your personal, political, and spiritual life. Assess your efforts to make sure they are in-line with your values and the interests of the next generations.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_theory
http://donellameadows.org/archives/leverage-points-places-to-intervene-in-a-system/
