The proliferation of functions: Multiple systems playing multiple roles in multiple supersystems

Abstract

When considering a system that performs a role, it is often stated that performing that role is afunctionof the system. The general form of such statements is that “the function ofSisR,” whereSis the functioning system andRis the functional role it plays. However, such statements do not represent how that single function was selected from many possible alternatives. This article renders those alternatives explicit by revealing the other possible function statements that might be made when eitherSorRis being considered. In particular, two forms of selection are emphasized. First, when we say “the function ofSisR,” there are typically many systems other thanSthat are required to be in operation for that role to be fulfilled. The functioning system,S, does not perform the role,R, all by itself, and those systems that supportSin performing that role might also have been considered as functioning. Second, when we say, “the function ofSisR,” there are typically many other roles thatSplays apart fromR, and those other roles might also have been considered functional. When we make function assignments, we select both the functioning system,S, and the functional role,R, from a range of alternatives. To emphasize these alternatives, this article develops a diagrammatic representation of multiple systems playing multiple roles in multiple supersystems.