A network is a system of nodes and edges. Networks can allow us to visualize the set of relationships in a system. For example, we can plot all of our coworkers as nodes on a network, and all of the relationships between our coworkers as edges on the network. This is a handy visualization because we can conceive of relationships visually without relying on physical relationships, instead, we can rely on social relationships. In the context of [[Systems Thinking]], networks are crucial because they reflect the nonlinearity of communications that most systems exhibit. Signal can flow on any path between nodes on the network that is available, which also allows for circular patterns of communication, a prerequisite for the formation of [[Feedback Loops]]. --- #Systems *May 29, 2021* #2021/5