Work

The unity of (social systems) science: The legacy of Bertalanffy

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: The article discusses Bertalanffy's project for the unity of science in the particular field of social sciences. The aim is to analyse shortcomings and to sketch new approaches to this matter. We identify two main obstacles, namely, the inner differentiation of social systems science and the threat of methodological nativism to Bertalanffy's project. Furthermore, the article examines the concepts of scientific system and cosmopolitanism as opposites to such obstacles and as legacies of Bertalanffy's view of science as well. The conclusion resumes the arguments and proposes new paths for general systems theory.

Source: Systems Research and Behavioral Science

DOI: 10.1002/sres.2595

Author: Hugo Cadenas

Institution: University of Chile

Language: English

Topic: Philosophy of Biology and Scientific Explanation

Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica

OpenAlex ID: W2942521829

FWCI: 1.953

Cites: 45

Cited by: 10

Related to: 10