Systemic philosophy and the philosophy of social science – Part I: Transcendence of the naturalistic and the anti‐naturalistic position in the philosophy of social science

Abstract

Purpose

To discuss systemic thinking in relation to the naturalistic and anti‐naturalistic position in the philosophy of social science. To develop the theme in two parts: I and II.

Design/methodology/approach

A cybernetic approach is taken and a discussion on what is the foundation for the philosophy of social science for systemic thinking is developed.

Findings

The findings for Part I are that the rationalistic view of knowledge is based on reflection and reason. The empirical viewpoint on knowledge based on observations. The realistic view of knowledge is based on the link between the rationalistic and the empirical point of view. The systemic viewpoint is based on the realistic view of knowledge.

Practical implications

Provided assistance to social scientists who study social systems from the systemic or cybernetic point of view. Gives researchers studying problems/phenomena in social systems a systemic viewpoint.

Originality/value

It positioned systemic thinking in relation to the philosophy of social science.

Citation

Johannessen, J. and Olaisen, J. (2005), "Systemic philosophy and the philosophy of social science – Part I: Transcendence of the naturalistic and the anti‐naturalistic position in the philosophy of social science", Kybernetes, Vol. 34 No. 7/8, pp. 1261-1277. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920510606019