The axiom (Greek axiōma - the accepted position, from axióō - I consider worthy), the position of some given theory, which in the deductive construction of this theory is not proved in it, but is taken as the initial, starting point, which is the basis of the proofs of other propositions of this theory. Usually, as an axiom, one chooses such sentences of the theory in question that are known to be true or can be considered to be true within the framework of this theory.
The general theory of systems is built on the foundation of four axioms and four laws, which are derived from the axioms:
• axiom 1 - the system always has one permanent general goal (the principle of purposefulness, purpose of systems)
• axiom 2 - the goal for systems is put from the outside (the principle of setting goals for systems)
• axiom 3 - to achieve the goal, the system must act in a certain way (the principle of the performance of the systems)
- the law of conservation (the principle of the constancy of the operation of systems for maintaining the constancy of the goal)
- the law of cause and effect limitations (the principle of the existence and determinism of the actions of systems)
- the law of the hierarchy of goals (the principle of the distribution of the goal to a subgoal)
- the law of the hierarchy of systems (the principle of the distribution of sub-goals between subsystems and the principle of subsystem subordination)
• axiom 4 - the result of the operation of systems exists independently of the systems themselves (the principle of independence of the result of the action)
Axioms are neither logically deduced, and therefore axioms. They are postulated only on the basis of observed facts, without a logical explanation of the principles that inevitably lead to the appearance of these facts. Perhaps with further development of the theory of the system, additional principles will be found and from them will already follow why these axioms are such, and not others. Then these axioms cease to be axioms and become consequences of other axioms, but for the time being they follow from experience and therefore do not require proof.