摘要:

AbstractThe ideas, goals, and postulates of neurological positivism (np) are reviewed briefly. Three new lines of scientific research and systems modeling are described which clucidate np further, and which np helps to unify. (1) fractals and fractal dynamics (chaos) in both living and nonliving systems; (2) a generalized ecosystems model, and (3) a micro/macro deterministic model of upward and downward causation, with downward causation supervenient. Three implications stemming from these clarifications are described: (1) the limitations of reductionistic science; (2) the brain as a fractal‐projective generating system; and (3) a redefinition of the mind‐body problem. It is concluded that the new supportive sources of research and the new implications establish further, in ways understandable by a broad variety of people, the capacity of np to organize what we know, to unify disparate categories of knowledge within the systems thinking perspective, and to promote the rapprochement between science and the humanities.As long as our brain is a mystery, the universe—the reflection of the structure of the brain—will be a

ISSN:0731-7239    

DOI:10.1002/sres.3850070101

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1990

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractAn attempt is made in this paper to develop a self‐cybernetic model of human behavior, explaining behavior in terms of self‐concept and cybernetics. The integrated model is essentially a self‐cybernetic system described as a cyclical process involving monitor, input, comparator, and output processes. The monitor component is described in terms of self‐monitoring; input component is described in terms of self‐perception; comparator component is described in terms of self‐evaluation; and the output of the self‐cybernetic system is described in terms of three psychological processes—behavior change, cognitive change, and information search. It is argued that a self‐cybernetic system can be analyzed as a series of self‐cybernetics cycles in time (t—1, t, t+1,…, t+n). Each self‐cybernetic cycle starts out with a self‐monitoring process that guides the person to monitor certain self‐related information from the environment and/or activates certain self‐expectancies from memory. The input serves to categorize the information as similar/dissimilar to self‐expectancies evoked from memory. Information that is self‐debasing attributed to the self and/or inconsistent with the evoked self‐expectancy produces a stress signal forcing the individual to take corrective action through (1) cognitive change, (2) behavior change, (3) information search, or (4) a comparator operation. Cognitive change essentially involves employing one of the following three coping strategies: (1) self‐concept differentiation, (2) self‐concept compartmentalization, or (3) self‐concept change. Behavior change involves decision making to engage in a course of action to reduce the stress. Information search involves entering into an information search cybernetic cycle having its own monitor, input, comparator, and output functions. A comparator operation involves a self‐evaluation in which the self‐perception (input) is evaluated in relation to a self‐expectancy (referent). Unfavorable self‐evaluations produce a stress signal which induces the person to engage in an output‐related operation—c

ISSN:0731-7239    

DOI:10.1002/sres.3850070102

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1990

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractThis paper presents a short overview of my research project on systems thinking in culture studies. The paper objective is to discuss the findings in terms of established systems concepts to illustrate the pivotal role of systems concepts in the notion of ‘culture as system’. A global systems philosophy was the overriding criterion adopted for the research. This involved a complementary recourse to systems analysis and cybernetic ideas set within a holistic framework. The invariant features that are known to characterize complex open systems were also considered as contributory to a fuller understanding of culture as a sys

ISSN:0731-7239    

DOI:10.1002/sres.3850070103

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1990

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractTeaching in substantive areas of planning has become increasingly calculative. Students have been taught to use techniques, but not to ask whether they are asking the right questions.A new course which attempted to instead emphasize a meditative approach to transportation planning is described. A theme of exposing and criticizing assumptions—bubble bursting—lies at the heart of the course. Philosophical theories were taught to help accomplish this, and problem setting was shown to be essentially a question of ethics. The shortcomings of current systems analysis approaches in transportation were discussed, and the alternative of a wider form of systems research suggested by Churchman was explored. The interrelationships between transportation and related systems were stressed throughout the course.Students expressed some concern that the course did not emphasize the practical side of transportation planning, but responded positively to the new perspectives for criticism that were introduced. Teaching the course demonstrated that there is a useful role for courses which expose and criticize assumptions rather than merely teach techniques and which reveal the essentially ethical nature of planning and all social inquiry; and that if we want future generations of thinking planners, we need to teach them how to th

ISSN:0731-7239    

DOI:10.1002/sres.3850070104

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1990

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:0731-7239    

DOI:10.1002/sres.3850070105

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1990

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:0731-7239    

DOI:10.1002/sres.3850070106

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1990

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:0731-7239    

DOI:10.1002/sres.3850070107

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1990

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:0731-7239    

DOI:10.1002/sres.3850070108

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1990

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:0731-7239    

DOI:10.1002/sres.3850070109

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1990

数据来源: WILEY