Systems Theory — Philosophy of Systems Science: From Existence to Evolution — The Spatiotemporal Shift in Scientific Paradigms

The spatiotemporal shift in scientific paradigms marks a major leap in human epistemology. From the perspective of systems science,evolutionandexistenceare not opposing, but dialectically unified domains. As systems theory states: 'There is no existence detached from evolution, nor evolution detached from existence.'

Core Logic: The Epistemic Circle of Scientific Understanding

Physics of Existence: Focuses on studying system equilibrium and structural stability, asserting that time is fundamentally reversible.
Physics of Evolution: Introduces dissipative structures and self-organization theories, emphasizing trait transformation and emergence of complexity over time.
Dialectical Unity: Existence is a state of relative stasis in evolution, while evolution is the unfolding of existence along the time axis. Modern science has returned from studying 'existence' to studying 'evolution,' completing a dialectical circle of epistemological development.

Epistemological Sequence

Humans always first grasp the 'existence' (structure and components) of things before understanding their 'evolution' (dynamic development). This logical sequence determines the foundational role of classical mechanics in the history of science.

QUESTION 1

Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between 'existence' and 'evolution'?

Evolution is illusory; only existence is eternal

Existence is a state of relative stasis in evolution; the two are dialectically unified

Evolution can exist abstractly, independent of material entities

Scientific research should focus solely on evolution and completely abandon existence

QUESTION 2

What does the 'circle' refer to in the statement: 'Modern science has traversed a circle—from studying existence to studying evolution'?

Science has reverted to ancient, primitive natural philosophy

Scientific research has made no progress, merely going in circles

A higher-level epistemological return through the dialectical process of 'negation of the negation'

A physical phenomenon of time loops

QUESTION 3

What is the typical logical sequence in human cognition of the objective world?

First understand evolution, then existence

First understand existence, then evolution

Understand both simultaneously, with no chronological order

QUESTION 4

Which concept falls within the scope of 'Physics of Evolution'?

Motion of point particles under reversible time

Equilibrium states in closed systems

Dissipative structures under non-equilibrium conditions

Absolute space-time view

QUESTION 5

What was the major breakthrough in scientific paradigms in 20th-century natural science?

Proved evolution theory to be wrong

Achieved dialectical unity between Physics of Existence and Physics of Evolution

Completely invalidated the value of classical mechanics

Established the central role of static classification