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List of contents
Preface Foreword Introduction: The Idea of Systems Philosophy 1. Why Systems Philosophy? 2. Method 3. Specifications Part I: Outline of a General Theory of Systems 4. Theory of Natural Systems 5. Empirical Interpretations 6. Theory of Cognitive Systems 7. Empirical Interpretations General theory of Systems: Conclusion Part II: Studies in Systems Philosophy 8. System: Framework for an Ontology 9. Hierarchy: Framework for a Philosophy of Nature 10. Consciousness: Framework for a Philosophy of Mind 11. Cognition: Framework for an Epistemology 12. Freedom: Framework for a Philosophy of Man 13. Value: Framework for a Normative Ethics 14. Survival: Framework for a New Age Ethos 15. Ultimate Principles: Framework for a Metaphysics Systems Philosophy: Conclusions Appendix Systems Philosophy and the Crisis of Fragmentation in Education Bibliography Index of Names Index of Subjects
About the author
Ervin Laszlo
Summary
First Published in 1972, Introduction to Systems Philosophy presents Ervin Laszlo’s first comprehensive volume on the subject. It argues for a systematic and constructive inquiry into natural phenomenon on the assumption of general order in nature. Laszlo says systems philosophy reintegrates the concept of enduring universals with transient processes within a non-bifurcated, hierarchically differentiated realm of invariant systems, as the ultimate actualities of self-structuring nature. He brings themes like the promise of systems philosophy; theory of natural systems; empirical interpretations of physical, biological, and social systems; frameworks for philosophy of mind, philosophy of nature, ontology, epistemology, metaphysics and normative ethics, to showcase the timeliness and necessity of a return from analytic to synthetic philosophy. This book is an essential read for any scholar and researcher of philosophy, philosophy of science and systems theory.
