Traditions of Systems Theory
Major Figures and Developments
Edited by Darrell Arnold, Robert King
To Be Published December 1st 2013 by Routledge – 336 pages
Series: Routledge Studies in Library and Information Science
Description
The term ‘systems theory’ is used to characterize a set of disparate yet related approaches to fields as varied as information theory, cybernetics, biology, sociology, history, literature, and philosophy. What unites each of these traditions of systems theory is a shared focus on general features of systems and their fundamental importance for diverse areas of life. Yet there are considerable differences among these traditions, and each tradition has developed its own methodologies, journals, and forms of anaylsis. This book explores this terrain and provides an overview of and guide to the traditions of systems theory in their considerable variety.
The book draws attention to the traditions of systems theory in their historical development, especially as related to the humanities and social sciences, and shows how from these traditions various contemporary developments have ensued. It provides a guide for strains of thought that are key to understanding 20th century intellectual life in many areas.
Reviews
"Traditions of Systems Theory: Major Figures and Developments provides a state-of-the-art survey of the increasingly influential and fascinating field of systems theory. It is a highly useful resource for a wide range of disciplines and contributes significantly to bringing together current trends in the sciences and the humanities." – Hans-Georg Moeller, University College Cork, Ireland
Contents
Part 1: Introduction Darrell Arnold and Robert King Part 2: Early Developments 1. The Development and Trajectories of Information Theory Philipp Schweighauser 2. Cybernetics: An Overview of its History and Developments Ranulph Glanville 3. The Macy Conferences John Bruni Part 3: Major Figures 5. Bertalanffy and Early Systems Thinkers: The Path Toward a Hermeneutical System of General Systemology David Pouvreau 6. Howard and Eugene Odum on Systems Ecology Joel Hagen 7. Ethics and Epistemology: The Cybernetician, Heinz von Foerster Bernhard Pörksen 8. Maturana and Varela Bob Mugerauer 9. Prigogine and Postmodernism Dorothea Olkowski 10. Parsons Uta Gerhardt 11. Luhmann Walter Reese-Schäfer 12. Wallerstein’s World Systems Analysis Walter Goldfrank Part 4: Current Developments 13. Sociological Systems Theory and Literature Andrew McMurry 14. Complexity Theory and Sociological Systems Thinking Sylvia Walby 15. Systems Theory and Digital Culture Raphael Sassower 16. A Brief Outline of Evolutionary Cultural Ecology Peter Finke 17. General Systems Theory and Organization Development Deborah Hammond Part 5: Conclusion Darrell Arnold and Robert King
Author Bio
Darrell Arnold is Assistant Professor of Philosophy in the Department of History, Philosophy, and Global Studies at St. Thomas University, USA.
Robert King is Assistant Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Humanities at Sierra Nevada College, USA.
Name: Traditions of Systems Theory: Major Figures and Developments (Hardback) – Routledge
Description: Edited by Darrell Arnold, Robert King. The term ‘systems theory’ is used to characterize a set of disparate yet related approaches to fields as varied as information theory, cybernetics, biology, sociology, history, literature, and philosophy. What unites each of these...
Categories: Information Technology, History of Philosophy, Systems & Computer Architecture, Logic - Philosophy, Philosophy of Social Science