systematology

Systematology is a field that studies the organization, classification, and integration of systems. It is used to describe the systematic study of how complex wholes emerge from interacting parts and how their components are arranged into structures, processes, and relationships. The term is not uniformly defined and has appeared in a variety of philosophical and scientific contexts. In some usages, systematology denotes an umbrella discipline focused on general principles of systematic organization across domains; in others it is treated as a synonym for general systems theory or systems science.

The scope covers taxonomy and classification, ontology of systems, and the structural patterns that govern stability, change, and emergence. It addresses natural, social, informational, and technical systems, and seeks to articulate common concepts such as holism, hierarchy, feedback, and interfaces. Methodologically, systematology draws on comparative analysis, typology, formal modeling, ontological engineering, network analysis, and case studies to describe and compare systems.

Historically, the term has appeared in 19th and 20th century literature with varying emphases. In contemporary usage, systematology is less common as a distinct field; many scholars instead use systems theory, systems science, or taxonomy to address overlapping questions. The term often serves as an interdisciplinary or umbrella notion rather than a single, codified subject.

There is overlap with related areas such as ontology, classification theory, library science, and information architecture, as well as with systems theory and cybernetics. Critics note that the breadth of the term can sacrifice precision, while proponents view it as a broad, integrative perspective on how complex systems are organized.