The six critical tools in systems thinking: interconnectedness, synthesis, emergence, wholeness, relationships, circularity

In essence, these critical tools in systems thinking facilitate a comprehensive analysis of complex systems by visualising relationships, emphasising wholeness, recognising emergent properties, and understanding the interconnectedness and circular dynamics inherent in complex systems.

Let's clarify and provide explanations for the terms as they align with the themes you've mentioned:

1. 1. Interconnectedness: 

      • Theme: Interconnectedness refers to the idea that elements within a system are not isolated but are interconnected and interdependent.
      • Tool: No specific tool is associated with interconnectedness, but it is a fundamental concept that underlies various tools in systems thinking.

   2. Synthesis: 

      • Theme: Synthesis involves the combination of elements or parts to form a whole. It refers to the holistic approach of looking at the entire system rather than focusing on individual components.
      • Tool: Systems mapping, such as causal loop diagrams and stock and flow diagrams, is a tool that helps synthesise information and visualise the relationships within a system.

   3. Emergence: 

      • Theme: Emergence refers to the phenomenon where the behaviour of a system as a whole is different from and often unpredictable based on the behaviour of its components.
      • Tool: Understanding and analysing emergent properties involves using mental models, causal loop diagrams, and systems mapping to identify how interactions between components lead to unexpected system-level behaviours.

   4. Wholeness: 

      • Theme: Wholeness emphasises looking at the system as a whole rather than focusing on its parts in isolation.
      • Tool: Systems mapping tools, particularly causal loop diagrams, help in representing the entirety of a system and its components, fostering an understanding of the system's wholeness.

   5. Relationships: 

      • Theme: Relationships in systems thinking refer to the connections and interactions between different elements in a system.
      • Tool: Systems mapping tools, such as causal loop diagrams, are essential for visualising and understanding the relationships between variables within a system.

   6. Circularity: 

      • Theme: Circularity refers to the presence of feedback loops and the circular flow of information within a system.
      • Tool: Feedback loops and systems mapping, including causal loop diagrams, are tools used to identify, analyse, and represent circular relationships and dynamics in a system.

In summary, interconnectedness, synthesis, emergence, wholeness, relationships, and circularity are interrelated themes and concepts in systems thinking. Various tools, including systems mapping tools like causal loop diagrams, contribute to understanding and applying these themes in analysing complex systems.