Systems everywhere?. (23rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vanderstraeten, Raf
• Other Names: Assche Kristof Van guestEditor.; Valentinov Vladislav guestEditor.; Verschraegen Gert guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Systems research and behavioral science. Volume 36:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 255
• Page End: 262
• Publication Date: 2019-04-23
• Subjects: Ludwig von Bertalanffy -- Niklas Luhmann -- reflexivity -- system theory -- Talcott Parsons; Psychology -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; System theory -- Periodicals; 003
• DOI: 10.1002/sres.2596
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1092-7026

Abstract

Abstract: Ludwig von Bertalanffy built his hopes for system theory on the growing visibility of systems in the world. The first introductory section of the 1968 edition of General System Theory is titled "Systems Everywhere." Half a century later, system theory has fallen into disrepute in several fields of study. It is targeted for its technocratic and governmental ambitions; it is depicted as an attempt to understand and reshape the world according to the system image of the world. This paper sketches how the social world has been analysed as a system—with a focus on hierarchy, predictability, and control. It proceeds to show how Von Bertalanffy's emphasis on the distinction between system and environment allows for the analysis of heterogeneity, indeterminacy, and uncontrollability. This paper thus makes a plea for a reflexive theory that focuses on problems that emerge despite the fact that our society imagines itself as a system.