Fundamentals of theory and methodology for the study of the transformation of systems of various origins

The subjects of the research are both closed systems and open systems of different functional origin, that is, systems that are under the influence of external and internal factors. Therefore, first of all, we will stop on certain categories and concepts that are directly related to the problem that is under consideration.

The leading place in systems research belongs to the category of «system» (from the Greek. - a whole, composed of parts; combined). The opinion of the prominent philosophers is important here. I. Kant understood the system as the unity of various knowledge united by one idea (Kant, I., 1964, p. 680). G.W. Hegel believed that any subject of study is a system that develops itself, because it is only a moment of development of the idea (Gegel, G.V., 1932). The generalized philosophical definition of the system was formulated by F. Engels: «All… nature is a certain system, a certain general connection of bodies, understanding the word body as all material realities…» (Marks, K. i Engels, F., p. 392). According to the International Standards of the ISO 9000: 2015 series, a system is a set of interconnected or interacting elements (DSTU ISO 9000:2015, p. 12).

Exploring the structural essence of systems, patterns, conditions and stages of their development, O. Bogdanov identified the following stages: «complexion» (the system is a mechanical union of elements among which there are no interaction); «conjugation» (there is cooperation between the individual elements of the system); «ingression» (transition of the system to a new quality); «degression» (the process of degradation of the system, its disintegration as a whole formation) (Bogdanov A.A., 2013).The author of the general theory of systems L. Bertalanffy considered a set of elements that interact to be a criterion of any system (Bertalanffy L., 1950).

In the «Philosophical Encyclopedic Dictionary» - a system is a set of certain elements between which there is a natural connection or interaction; quality characteristics of these elements are the content of the system, a set of regular connections between elements - the internal form or structure of the system…, the nature of the elements and the character of the structure of the system are divided into material ones that exist in objective reality (inorganic, organic), and ideal ones, which are an expression of human's consciousness (concepts, hypotheses, theories, linguistic and logical constructions, mental formations, etc. (Filosofskij enciklopedichnij slovnik, p. 583).

Saatiaccentes T. the need to note the target and functional components in the system. The concept of the system, according to the researcher, can be defined in terms of its structure, functions, goals, which are laid in its construction (Saati, T.L., 1993, p. 16).

In systems research, it is advisable to present the whole array of system concepts in several groups, each of which is specific to a particular range of problems that are analyzed. According to E. Yudin (Yudin, E.G., 1978, p. 183), the whole array of such concepts should be divided into such groups:

The first group of concepts covers the description of the internal construction of system objects: element, structure, connection, relation, environment, integrity, organization.

The second group of systemic concepts provides a description of the functioning of system objects: function, stability, equilibrium, regulation, feedback, homeostasis (from the Greek - the same state), management, self-organization, and others.

The third group of systemic concepts characterizes the processes of development of system objects: genesis, evolution, formation, and others.

The authors of the dictionary manual «Vocational Education» define the system as an order determined by the correct location of the parts; a set of principles fundamental to a particular study; the form of the order; method of construction; a set of parts connected by a common function, etc. (Profesijna osvita, p. 314).

Summarizing and supplementing the views of scientists, the concept of «system» can be represented as follows: 1) the system must contain a set of elements; 2) the elements of the system are connected in some way; 3) the connected elements of the system create a kind of integrity; 4) the elements of the system are in constant interaction through energy exchange; 5) the functioning of the system is characterized by certain patterns, principles, contradictions; 6) the properties of the system are different from the properties of individual elements of the set; 7) the system is under the influence of external and internal factors; 8) the system, depending on the conditions, circumstances, influence may acquire a state of development, destruction, chaos, etc.

It was noted above that the explanation and development of the theory of self-organization are related to the theory of evolution and the natural sciences, in particular, nonequilibrium thermodynamics. It supplemented classical thermodynamics by substantiating the theory of «structure creation» as a fundamental achievement of the natural sciences.

Let's have a brief look on some basic concepts of the theory of self-organization in the context of the laws of nonequilibrium thermodynamics, the theory of evolution, as well as its conceptual foundations that are directly related to the impact on the self-organization process of external and internal factors.

Classical thermodynamics in the general sense is the knowledge of energy, which studies various natural phenomena, based on its characteristic objective laws. The range of phenomena studied by thermodynamics is quite wide: physical, chemical, technical, physiological, biological, space, etc. For further study, in terms of thermodynamics and the extension of its laws to a wider range of systems, two provisions are important: 1) thermodynamics involves the disorganization or destruction of the original structure during evolution to equilibrium; 2) the energetic nature of thermodynamics.

The theory of evolution is a scientific theory that explains the mechanisms of change in the forms of biological organisms and the reasons for their diversity, which arise over time in the process of their historical development, functioning, existence. Based on numerous observations of the development of living and non-living biological organisms (flora, fauna), Charles Darwin concluded that changes in them occur under the influence of two factors: 1) heritable variations; 2) selection. The scientist considered variability as a factor of evolution. In the struggle for existence in the natural environment (selection), Charles Darwin identified the following three main forms: 1) dependence on the environment; 2) intraspecific struggle; 3) struggle between species. It should be noted that at the end of his extremely effective scientific work, Charles Darwin expressed the opinion about the hypothetical nature of his theory, that he did not consider a number of external factors.

At the same time scientists claim that people should distinguish the difference between terms «evolution» and «the theory of evolution». Scientists have no doubts about the term evolution as indisputable phenomenon. As for the mechanisms of the theory of evolution that lead to evolutionary change, proposing different concepts, hypotheses, approaches, scientists have not yet reached a common opinion. First of all, it concerns to nature, influence on the process of evolution, their diversity, effectiveness and priority, to which the classical evolutionary theory does not provide a complete answer, as well as confirmation.

The most confessed scientist's view of the process of evolution is a synthetic theory of evolution (modern evolution theory), which is a synthesis of different fields of knowledge, especially genetics and Darwinism. This theory depends on paleontology, molecular biology, taxonomy, etc. Nowadays a synthetic theory was formed as a result of changing a number of provisions of classical Darwinism from the beginning of genetics in the early twentieth century. Many scientist's societies consider that the founder of the synthetic theory of evolution was S. Chetverikov. In 1926 he showed the compatibility of the principles of genetics with the theory of natural selection, which was a great push to the development of evolutionary genetics. In further researchers, the authors of the synthetic theory of evolution significantly disagreed with a number of fundamental problems and worked in various sectors of biology (F. Dobrzhansky, S. Wright, N. Timofeev-Resovsky, R. Fischer, J. Holden Jr., etc. At the same time all researchers almost agreed with such interpretation of the main statements of a synthetic theory (Voroncova N.N., 1980; Chetverikov S.S., 1968):

- the elementary unit of evolution is considered to be the local population (subject as a system);

- the material for evolution is mutational and recombination mobility (change in the qualities of the system under the influence of external and internal factors);

- natural selection is considered as the main reason for the development of adaptations, the formation of species and super species (factors of external influence, the transition of the system to another state - ed.);

- species is a system of populations, reproductively isolated from the population of other species, and each species is ecologically separated (isolation of the system - ed.);

- gene drift is the cause of the formation of signs of species (internal interaction of system elements - ed.);

- speciation is the emergence of genetically isolating mechanisms and takes place mainly in conditions of geographical isolation (system environment - ed.).

All processes of evolution in dialectics are reflected in the law of transition from quantitative to qualitative changes. According to this law radical changes do not occur by themselves, but due to gradual quantitative increases. And together they admit the future quantitative processes. The consistence of the law is in the categories of quality, quantity, measure, and their relationship. Generally, it characterizes only the way of development of the material world, its discreteness and continuity, but not defined at the same time the mechanisms, the factors leading to changes.

All-purpose law of dialectics is the law of unity and the struggle of opposites. The effect of law is appeared in systemic structures that take place in nature, society and thinking. The essence of the law is that it explains development as a self-movement, but as the previous law it does not define the mechanisms, factors that lead to dynamic changes.

Thermodynamics of irreversible processes determines the speed of nonequilibrium processes depending on external conditions

Stationary nonequilibrium states of the system are acquired under the influence of so-called boundary conditions, in particular, external influence on the system. According to the I. Prygozhyn theorem (on the minimum entropy production) the production of entropy in a stationary condition is really minimal. The general theory of stability (O. Lyapunov) proves that stationary nonequilibrium states with minimal entropy production are stable. At the same time, due to external influences, there are fluctuations in such systems. In a stable system, the resulting fluctuations themselves (spontaneously) decrease over time. Such internal processes do not lead to increased fluctuations (system oscillations). Conversely, in an unstable system, the amplitude of deviations (so-called gain) begins to increase and the system spontaneously, or with a high probability, goes beyond the stationary nonequilibrium state. While analyzing such systems the theory of turbulence is used. The transition of the system to a state of turbulence is characterized by the emergence of chaos - an increase in entropy. The dissipative structures is when unstable structures over time go from a state of stationary nonequilibrium state to an irregular nonequilibrium state and unexpectedly form a new system (Prigozhin I., Stengers І., 1986).

The synergetic concept is considered to be a studying about cooperation. According to it, the problems of the emergence of order from chaos, especially the transition of the system to a new state are investigated in the systems (Haken, G., 1983; Haken, G., 1980).

The concept of deterministic chaos reflects the emergence of chaos from an order. In this case, a system that is completely in an irregular, nonequilibrium, unpredictable state is classified as chaotic. This statement is characteristic of both dynamic systems in the natural sciences and social systems that are particularly sensitive to influences. According to this concept, it is believed that the impact on social systems must be kept in mind that any invasion in them can lead to completely unpredictable, chaotic developments and consequences.

Constructivism. Constructivist theory of knowledge is mostly used in the study of the impact on social and humanitarian systems. If such systems are studied as organizationally closed and self - referential, it is concluded that direct external influence, as a rule, does not achieve the goal that was set or arose spontaneously. Admirers of constructivism believe that external influence is perceived by the system only as an obstacle and «processed» by it in accordance with its own mechanisms. In our opinion this statement may be a partial case. There are such types of constructivism: social, cognitive-theoretical (radical), empirical, communicative-theoretical.

Interpreting theory of organization (system). The essence of this theory is that scientists take account on a social factor in contrast to functionalist theory, where the system is seen as a «black box». This ignores the factor of human behavior in the system, the conditionality of its stability. The purpose of the interpreting theory is to explain human actions in organization of the system and vice versa to explain these actions (reactions) through the actions of people (staff). The idea of this theory is that all staff of the organization operate within the reality that they create for them self. The meaning of interpretive theory in the study of social and humanitarian systems is that it provides answers to such problems as the realization of external regulations; positive or negative consequences for structural or functional changes in the system; quality of interaction of elements, subsystems in integral system; measures to improve the efficiency of the system; tendency to selforganization, etc.

Psychotherapy is the system of therapeutic impact on the psyche and through the psyche on the human body. It is often defined as activity aimed to rid a person of various problems (emotional, personal, social). In this case, the person, as a subject, is under the influence of the medical worker (conversation, discussion, cognitive, medical techniques, etc.), and due to internal neuro-energy mechanisms expects only positive results from external influences and internal self-organization.

A new ontological paradigm of human development in the personality formation system (Krutov, V.V., 2014).Based on an analysis of the latest scientific achievements of quantum physics and cosmology and also criticism of the worldview foundations of modern «scientific realism», it is obvious that the way out of the worldview crisis of modern science should be found in developing a new spiritual paradigm of thinking. In this traditional system a human is considered as a subject and object only of the material world, which in science is presented as unambiguous structure - «matter-energy». In the innovation system, a human is considered as a subject and object of two worlds: energy information, which operates within the ontological model «Consciousness - Information - Energy - Matter», and the physical world (Krutov, V.V., 2014, p. 107).

A quantum psychology (Uilson, R.A., 2016). A quantum psychology based on the quantum mechanics and a quantum physics can accurately describe through subatomic world a picture of the whole, part of which is each of us and is aimed at studying the processes of human consciousness and learning, management of their lives. The basic of this psychology is that everything in this world consists of molecules and atoms, including thoughts and people speech. Speaking, man releases an impulse into the universe, which is reflected, returns back, but no longer to man himself, but to the molecules that surround him. As a result of such a movement, the space around the individual begins to change according to the impulse sent, and at any time we can receive information that will significantly change our own model of the world.

Epigenetics is a branch of biological science. It is believed as a branch of genetics that studies hereditary changes in gene activity during the development of an organism or cell division. The human hereditary apparatus is contained in the main DNA molecule (genome). All genes are separate areas which take only a small amount of a genome (up to 3%). Most of the genome (approximately 97%) is in a state of expression - the impact on genes. This process is called methylation, that is the impact on genes under the influence of various factors (lifestyle, education, upbringing, physical activity, nutrition, vitamins, trace elements, stress, treatment, society, spiritual environment, etc.). The state of gene expression leads to changes in man, the acquisition of new traits, qualities, diseases, etc., which can later be inherited to offspring. The most important in the epigenetics is the influence of the external factors and changing in physiological processes due to the action and cooperation of external and internal factors. The analysis of theories, scientific directions, paradigms, concepts stated above, allows to make certain generalizations, to be defined with laws and principles of transformation of systems

The main conclusions for researching transformation of the systems:

- the synergetic concept of systems is considered to be the study of cooperation, while some investigations in such systems claims that the problems came from chaos, it means the transition of the system to a new state;

- chaos is a consequence of the transition of the system to a state of turbulence;

- a significant impact on the state and dynamics of their functioning has the human factor, as a combination of certain actions on the system;

- the system is changing under the influence of internal and external factors;

- the main statements of the theory of self-organization, which were introduced in the natural sciences, proved to be universal and are successfully used in social, economic, humanitarian, political and other processes of human activity, represented by systems or complex solutions.

Thus, it can be argued that systems change, firstly, under the influence of the environment in which they are, secondly, under the influence of factors that this environment produces, thirdly, under the influence of internal systemic interaction caused by internal factors; fourth, under the influence of internal systemic interaction caused by external factors. That is, changes in systems in certain environments occur under the influence of external factors and two-order internal factors caused, firstly, by their own internal interaction, and secondly - by internal transformational interaction under the influence of external factors. This statement can lead to replacing the concept of «self-organization of systems» to the concept of «transformation of systems», which, in our opinion, more accurately characterizes the essence of changes happening in systems and their functionality. After all, in terms of terminological definition, self-organizational processes are mainly related to the action of internal factors.

Let's define the general laws and principles of transformation of systems, inherent in one way or other systems of any origin - animate and inanimate nature (biological, technical, economic, social, humanitarian, military, etc.).

Regularities of transformation of systems are caused by: