How to restore Bertalanffian systems thinking

Abstract

Ludwig von Bertalanffy created general systems theory in an effort to counter the oversight and endangerment of humankind by disciplinary specialization. Bertalanffy desired for a holistic worldview and openness to replace overspecialization. Although widely cited and regarded, his concept prevailed only at a fictitious level, mostly as a tool inside specialization, which many scholars are neither able to overcome nor complement with interdisciplinary, creative co‐operation. Similarities (isomorphisms) are not enough. Here, a system of seven groups of systems thinking principles, which serve as a framework for restoring Bertalanffian systems thinking without his exaggerations is presented.

Citation

Mulej, M., Potocan, V., Zenko, Z., Kajzer, S., Ursic, D., Knez‐Riedl, J., Lynn, M. and Ovsenik, J. (2004), "How to restore Bertalanffian systems thinking", Kybernetes, Vol. 33 No. 1, pp. 48-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920410514346