Thinking Through Systems Thinking [Paperback]

Systemicity is receiving wider attention thanks to its evident paradox. On the one hand, it occurs as a problem with complex symptoms. On the other, it is sought after as an approach for dealing with the non-linear reality of the world. At once problem and prize, systemicity continues to confound. This book details the mechanics of this paradox as they arise from human epistemological engagement with the world.

Guided by an original analysis of the fundamental idea of emergent property, Thinking Through Systems Thinkinguncovers the distinct significance, but also incompleteness, of the systems approach as a theory of human epistemological engagement. The incompleteness is treated through a non-eclectic interdisciplinary investigation which meets ten distinctly developed criteria required of any potential interdisciplinary partner to systems thinking. There results a theory of knowledge  an epistemology - which is systemic in both senses of the term: it belongs to the general systems movement, and it is systemically structured. The systems movement is thus offered a distinct epistemological voice which can compete on equal ground with other philosophical/epistemological positions. In true systemic fashion, this theory of knowledge also offers methodological, ethical, and existential implications.

Part One: Contextual Investigations  Part Two: System Theoretical Investigations  Part Three: Phenomenological Investigations  Part Four: Systemic Epistemological Investigations  Part Five: Applied Investigations

'Ion Georgious thinking through of systems thinking employs phenomenology as an interdisciplinary partner to search for a genuinely systemic epistemology.  This profound philosophical journey engages with the concept of emergence and the work of von Bertalanffy before re-entering the methodological domain to contribute insights abl³D