When addressing the issue of dynamic systems we must not overlook the concept of motion. This notion includes a set space, a time set, an initial time and initial conditions. The set space is the set of all possible states that certain objects can possess. Motion refers to the change in a state over time. This concept goes back to Newton's Laws of Motion, and dynamic systems theory has in fact its roots in the former. Newtonian mechanics is even treated as “the archetype of deterministic dynamical theories” (Manneville, 2004, p. 25). The laws describe the behaviour of bodies under the influence of forces acting upon them. Motion occurs as a consequence of this action. Motion in classical Newtonian mechanics is considered within three main subfields. Although all of these deal with the same phenomenon each one focuses on a different aspect. Statics investigates the action of forces that leads to the equilibrium of a body. Kinematics describes the motion of bodies, but is not interested in the cause of the motion. Dynamics, in turn, considers the motion of bodies under the influence of forces (Encyclopedia of Science & Technology, 1997). Newton introduced a set of equations, called differential equations, which describe the motion of physical bodies and systems, such as, e.g., the Solar System. Newton's laws of motion have been used primarily to investigate the motion of large bodies. However, they have their limitations in the case of bodies that move at high speed or very small bodies. These kinds of objects are considered within the context of special relativity or quantum physics.

According to Newton's First Law, when a force acts on a body the latter can move as long as that force is acting on it, after which it comes to a state of rest due to gravity or friction. The body can even continue to move at constant speed, which can be illustrated as a straight line. This kind of motion is called linear motion and is the basic form of motion.