GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY
Ideas and Applications
by Lars Skyttner (University of G�vle, Sweden)
The world in which classical positivistic science and technology obtained great success has vanished. However, the way of thinking promoted by that epoch still lingers in our social consciousness, sometimes as a burden. To conquer the shortcomings of classical analytical science in the modern, ever more complex world, systems theory and its applications within systems science present an alternative to old paradigms.
Systems theorists see common principles in the structure and operation of systems of all kinds and sizes. They promote an interdisciplinary science adapted for a universal application with a common language and area of concepts. This approach is seen as a means of not only overcoming the fragmentation of knowledge and the isolation of the specialist, but also finding new solutions to problems created by the earlier "solution of problems".
This book introduces the systemic alternative. It is divided into two parts. The first is devoted to the historical background of the systems movement, and presents pioneering thoughts and theories of the area. Basic concepts of general systems theory with well-known laws and principles are discussed, as well as related topics like cybernetics and information theory.
The second part deals with some of the common applications of systems theory within systems science, such as artificial intelligence, management information systems and informatics. An attempt is made to predict the future of systems theory in a world apparently becoming fragmented and integrated at the same time.
To engage oneself in systems theory and its striving towards an applied universal science is a highly cross-scientific occupation. The reader will come into contact with many different academic disciplines, and consequently the possibility of an all-round education - something particularly needed in our over-specialized world.
Contents:
- The Theories and Why:
- The Emergence of
Holistic Thinking
- Basic Ideas of General Systems Theory
- A Selection of Systems Theories
- Communication and Information Theory
- Some Theories of Brain and Mind
- The Applications and How:
- Artificial Intelligence and Life
- Organization Theory and Management Cybernetics
- Decision Making and Decision Aids
- Informatics
- Some of the Systems Methodologies
- The Future of Systems Theory
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Readership: Computer specialists, architects, businessmen, teachers
and holistic thinkers.
"This book covers a great deal of important and useful material in an enthusiastic and readable style and it is clearly based on much study and acquaintance with the literature, to which is a valuable addition."
The International Journal of Systems and Cybernetics, May/Jun 2003 |
"For beginners, the book is an easy introduction to systems science; for others, it is a useful overview, supplemented with many interesting and thought provoking personal commentaries by the author ... it has many positive features and I fully recommend it to readers of this journal."
International Journal of General Systems, 2003 |