Decentralised systems in systems theory

Systems theory

Systems theory is the transdisciplinary study of systems in general, with the goal of elucidating principles that can be applied to all types of systems at all nesting levels in all fields of research...

 are naturally occurring, usually self-regulating

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the property of a system that regulates its internal environment and tends to maintain a stable, constant condition of properties like temperature or pH...

 systems found which function without an organized center or authority. A system that is decentralised lacks a nuclear body or center of control, and is commonly composed of many components which work in unison, and together form a stable structure.

Such systems can be found in society

Society

A society, or a human society, is a group of people related to each other through persistent relations, or a large social grouping sharing the same geographical or virtual territory, subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations...

 as well as in nature. For example, a market economy

Market economy

A market economy is an economy in which the prices of goods and services are determined in a free price system. This is often contrasted with a state-directed or planned economy. Market economies can range from hypothetically pure laissez-faire variants to an assortment of real-world mixed...

 is a system formed by human trade and business.

See also

• Centralised system
• Distributed system