[MD] Reductionism

[Krimel]

[gav]
does systems theory privilege the interactions of the elements within a
system over the elements themselves?

[Krimel]
I make no pretext to expertise in formal systems theory so I can't really
answer that. But from my own perspective a system is: elements interacting.
In the absence of elements there is nothing to interact. Without interaction
elements are just inert. Neither could be considered a system.

As to the effect of the relative proportion of elements to interactions and
whether one should be privileged over the other; that would depend on the
particular system and the current state of the system.

[gav]
would this be a fair statement?

[Krimel]
I thought it was a question. If it is a statement then, again my lack of
expertise prevents an answer. But if the statement is: 

"systems theory privileges the interactions of the elements within a system
over the elements themselves" 

Then I would say, "no," or at least, "not often or for very long, except for
sometimes."
 
gav
cheers

[Krimel]
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