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Systems theory lacks a universal, formally agreed upon definition. It is a term that has been used in a variety of disciplines to support varied purposes and one which is found frequently in the systems literature. Because the term has been used in a variety of disciplines and has multiple meanings, it is often subject to misunderstanding when used in a multidisciplinary setting. This paper classifies and provides a brief historical perspective of the major streams that address systems theory. A synthesis of these seemingly disparate streams is presented, along with a path forward for development of a unified theory.