General Systems Theory: Problems, Perspectives, Practice

by Lars Skyttner

Systems theorists see common principles in the structure and operation of systems of all kinds and sizes. They promote an interdisciplinary science adapted for a universal application with a common language and area of concepts. In order to solve problems, make recommendations and predict the future, they use theories, models and concepts from the vast area of general systems theory. This approach is chosen as a means to overcome the fragmentation of knowledge and the isolation of the specialist but also to find new approaches to problems created by earlier 'solution of problems.' This revised and updated second edition of General Systems Theory - Ideas and Applications includes new systems theories and a new chapter on self-organization and evolution. The book summarizes most of the fields of systems theory and its application systems science in one volume. It provides a quick and readable reference guide for future learning containing both general theories and practical applications without the use of complicated mathematics.

536 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2006

Reviews

[Q Crain · Rating 4 out of 5]

25years ago(!) I read a book on Chomsky; not by him but about him and his work as an activist and his philosophy/politics/ethics.

After years of then reading him, I often think back and feel that was a great way to be introduced to him. I am hoping the same from this book and GST: This book was an easy and clear read, understandable presentation of ideas, and long (ha!)

I am hoping the same in this case: a good and well-prepared base for going deep and wide into GST.

Note, one of my favorite aspects of this book is its Reference; it has helped to fill out my shelf! 😁

[Peter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book for me was very much a mixed bag. Many chapters, such as "A Selection of Systems Theories", "Communication and Information Theory", and "Informatics" were well put together. Other chapters felt disjointed. One such example is "Decision Making and Decision Aids". Given the purpose of the book, which feels very much to be an introduction to systems thinking, some of this is understandable and hopefully it will be addressed in future editions.

The final chapter for me was the biggest let down. In the final chapter, the author addresses some of the criticisms of systems thinking. Specifically that it is not science and it is not philosophy either. The rebuttals given didn't feel persuasive. I feel this way because some of the criticisms are valid to me. I was hoping for a call to action not unlike Hilbert's Program, which although ultimately didn't accomplish what David Hilbert's aspirations, furthered mathematics greatly. This did not happen. Overall, despite its deficiencies, I recommend this book to anyone looking to explore systems thinking.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very dry read, however I learned more than I thought I would. There were a ton of typos, which drove me crazy. This book is great for anyone interested in Systems Theory.

[Freddie williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good text- covers fundamental information well.
Last chapter author gets very New Age- could of done without it.

[Brandee Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A textbook for my systems architecture class and wow boring! This book is very dry and full of big words that made it very difficult to understand. Definitely not for a beginner.