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| Systems thinking originated in
the physical sciences over the the course of the twentieth century,
particularly in the area of physics and later in biology. When the
old mechanistic perspective of the physical world failed to explain the
nature of subatomic particles and the relationships within an ecosystem,
scientists began to ask new questions.
The result was an insight into the interdependent network structure of parts within the whole. Reducing everything to its smallest components could not account for the behavior of the parts of the atom, for instance. Only stepping back to view the atom itself as a pattern in which the particles were threads in the weave inseparable from the atom itself--both in concept and in study--forced a re-examination of the old paradigm. As this paradigm widens, embracing other areas within human life, it is important to keep in mind where the concepts originated. Also, if we look to see how the sciences have changed under the paradigm shift, then we can anticipate how other topics might be affected in the Social Sciences and Humanities. |
What is CHAOS? - accessible interactive introduction to Chaos theory
Turning Point - a section of Fritjof Capra's book on applying systems theory to living systemsImmune System of our Second Brain - extends Capra's ideas from his book, The Web of LifeGaia Hypothesis - web version of geological systems theory by J. Lovelock and L. MargulisDeep Ecology - Stephan Harding's intro to this concept of our relationship to the environmentThe Big Picture - web site promoting 'Sustainability' in human behavior and eco-consciousness
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