What Defines a System in Different Academic Fields?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a "system" and its definitions across various academic fields. Participants are examining what qualifies as a system, using examples such as an amoeba, the Milky Way galaxy, an electron, and a football team.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the definition of a system and questioning whether it is context-dependent. Some suggest that all listed examples could be considered systems, while others emphasize the importance of specific definitions from relevant academic disciplines.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing differing perspectives on the definition of a system. There is an acknowledgment of the need to refer to specific academic contexts to clarify the definition further.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the definition of a system may vary depending on the academic field, suggesting that the context of the question is important for understanding the concept.

eraemia
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What qualifies as a "system"?

Homework Statement



Which of the following things qualifiy as a "system"? (You may choose as many as you'd like.)

a. an amoeba
b. the Milky Way galaxy
c. an electron
d. Wheaton College football team

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Everything except an electron?
 
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depends on the definition of "system"
 
i am pretty sure that a system in general is whatever you define it to be. i would say that all of them are systems.
 
Epiphone said:
i am pretty sure that a system in general is whatever you define it to be. i would say that all of them are systems.

No. The question came from a class, right? And this class is studying the properties of systems, correct? What is the definition from the textbook for this class of what a system it? If it's an economics class, there will be one definition. If it's a physics class, the definition will be different (and very specific).
 

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