Ludwig von Bertalanffy

Information about Ludwig von Bertalanffy

General Systems Theory
20th century
Name:Ludwig von Bertalanffy
Birth:September 19, 1901, Vienna, Austria
Death:June 12, 1972, New York, USA
School/tradition:University of Vienna
Main interests:Biology and systems theory
Notable ideas:General System Theory |
Influences:Rudolf Carnap, Gustav Theodor Fechner, Nicolai Hartmann, Otto Neurath, Moritz Schlick
Influenced:Russell L. Ackoff, Kenneth E. Boulding, Peter Checkland, C. West Churchman, Jay Wright Forrester, Ervin László, James Grier Miller, Anatol Rapoport


Karl Ludwig von Bertalanffy (September 19, 1901, Vienna, Austria – June 12, 1972, New York, USA) was an Austrian-born biologist known as one of the founders of general systems theory. He finished his PhD thesis about physicist and philosopher Gustav Theodor Fechner in 1926. Von Bertalanffy was a professor at the University of Vienna from 1934–48, University of London (1948–49), Université de Montréal (1949), University of Ottawa (1950–54), University of Southern California (1955–58), the Menninger Foundation (1958–60), University of Alberta (1961–68), and State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY) (1969-72). In 1972, he died from a sudden heart attack.

The individual growth model

The individual growth model published by von Bertanlanffy in 1934 is widely used in biological models and exists in a number of permutations.

In its simplest version the so-called von Bertalanffy growth equation is expressed as a differential equation of length (L) over time (t):



when is the von Bertalanffy growth rate and the ultimate length of the individual.This model was proposed earlier by Pütter in 1920 (Arch. Gesamte Physiol. Mench. Tiere, 180: 298-340). The Dynamic Energy Budget theory provides a mechanistic explanation of this model in the case of isomorphs that experience a constant food availability. The inverse of the von Bertalanffy growth rate appears to depend linearly on the ultimate length, when different food levels are compared.The intercept relates to the maintenance costs, the slope to the rate at which reserve is mobilized for use by metabolism.The ultimate length equals the maximum length at high food availabilites.[1]

General System Theory (GST)

The biologist is widely recognized for his contributions to science as a systems theorist; specifically, for the development of a theory known as General System Theory (GST). The theory attempted to provide alternatives to conventional models of organization. GST defined new foundations and developments as a generalized theory of systems with applications to numerous areas of study, emphasizing holism over reductionism, organism over mechanism.

Open systems

Bertalanffy's contribution to systems theory is best known for his theory of open systems. The system theorist argued that traditional closed system models based on classical science and the second law of thermodynamics were untenable. Bertalanffy maintained that “the conventional formulation of physics are, in principle, inapplicable to the living organism qua open system and steady state, and we may well suspect that many characteristics of living systems which are paradoxical in view of the laws of physics are a consequence of this fact.” [2] However, while closed physical systems were questioned, questions equally remained over whether or not open physical systems could justifiably lead to a definitive science for the application of an open systems view to a general theory of systems.

In Bertalanffy’s model, the theorist defined general principles of open systems and the limitations of conventional models. He ascribed applications to biology and the possibilities for information theory and cybernetics. Concerning biology, examples from the open systems view suggested they “may suffice to indicate briefly the large fields of application” that could be the “outlines of a wider generalization;” [3] from which, a hypothesis for cybernetics. With potential application to other areas, the theorist developed only the implications for biology and cybernetics. Bertalanffy also noted unsolved problems, which included continued questions over thermodynamics, thus the unsubstantiated claim that there are physical laws to support generalizations (particularly for information theory), and the need for further research into the problems and potential with the applications of the open system view from physics.

Systems in the social sciences

In the social sciences, Bertalanffy did believe that general systems concepts were applicable, e.g. theories that had been introduced into the field of sociology from a modern systems approach that included “the concept of general system, of feedback, information, communication, etc.” [4] The theorist critiqued classical “atomistic” conceptions of social systems and ideation “such as ‘social physics’ as was often attempted in a reductionist spirit.” [5] Bertalanffy also recognized difficulties with the application of a new general theory to social science due to the complexity of the intersections between natural sciences and human social systems. However, the theory still encouraged for new developments from sociology, to anthropology, economics, political science, and psychology among other areas. Today, Bertalanffy's GST remains a bridge for interdisciplinary study of systems in the social sciences.

Works

By Bertalanffy

  • 1928, Kritische Theorie der Formbildung, Borntraeger. In English: Modern Theories of Development: An Introduction to Theoretical Biology, Oxford University Press, New York: Harper, 1933
  • 1930, Lebenswissenschaft und Bildung, Stenger, Erfurt 1930
  • 1937, Das Gefüge des Lebens, Leipzig: Teubner.
  • 1940, Vom Molekül zur Organismenwelt, Potsdam: Akademische Verlagsgesellschaft Athenaion.
  • 1949, Das biologische Weltbild, Bern: Europäische Rundschau. In English: Problems of Life: An Evaluation of Modern Biological and Scientific Thought, New York: Harper, 1952.
  • 1953, Biophysik des Fliessgleichgewichts, Braunschweig: Vieweg. 2nd rev. ed. by W. Beier and R. Laue, East Berlin: Akademischer Verlag, 1977
  • 1953, "Die Evolution der Organismen", in Schöpfungsglaube und Evolutionstheorie, Stuttgart: Alfred Kröner Verlag, pp 53-66
  • 1955, "An Essay on the Relativity of Categories." Philosophy of Science, Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 243–263.
  • 1959, Stammesgeschichte, Umwelt und Menschenbild, Schriften zur wissenschaftlichen Weltorientierung Vol 5. Berlin: Lüttke
  • 1962, Modern Theories of Development, New York: Harper
  • 1967, Robots, Men and Minds: Psychology in the Modern World, New York: George Braziller, 1969 hardcover: ISBN 0-8076-0428-3, paperback: ISBN 0-8076-0530-1
  • 1968, General System theory: Foundations, Development, Applications, New York: George Braziller, revised edition 1976: ISBN 0-8076-0453-4
  • 1968, The Organismic Psychology and Systems Theory, Heinz Werner lectures, Worcester: Clark University Press.
  • 1975, Perspectives on General Systems Theory. Scientific-Philosophical Studies, E. Taschdjian (eds.), New York: George Braziller, ISBN 0-8076-0797-5
  • 1981, A Systems View of Man: Collected Essays, editor Paul A. LaViolette, Boulder: Westview Press, ISBN 0-86531-094-7
The first articles from Bertalanffy on General Systems Theory:
  • 1945, Zu einer allgemeinen Systemlehre, Blätter für deutsche Philosophie, 3/4. (Extract in: Biologia Generalis, 19 (1949), 139-164.
  • 1950, An Outline of General System Theory, British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 1, p.139-164
  • 1951, General system theory - A new approach to unity of science (Symposium), Human Biology, Dec 1951, Vol. 23, p. 303-361.

About Bertalanffy

See also

References

1. ^ Bertalanffy, L. von, (1934). Untersuchungen über die Gesetzlichkeit des Wachstums. I. Allgemeine Grundlagen der Theorie; mathematische und physiologische Gesetzlichkeiten des Wachstums bei Wassertieren. Arch. Entwicklungsmech., 131:613-652.
2. ^ Bertalanffy, L. von, (1969). General System Theory. New York: George Braziller, pp. 39-40
3. ^ Bertalanffy, L. von, (1969). General System Theory. New York: George Braziller, pp. 139-1540
4. ^ Bertalanffy, L. von, (1969). General System Theory. New York: George Braziller, pp. 196
5. ^ Bertalanffy, L. von, (1969). General System Theory. New York: George Braziller, pp. 194-197

External links

 •  • [ e]
Global structure in Systems, Systems sciences and Systems scientists
Categories
SystemsBiological system Complex system Complex adaptive system Conceptual system Cultural system Dynamical system Economic system Ecosystem Formal system Global Positioning System Human organ systems Information systems Legal system Metric system Nervous system Non-linear system Operating system Physical system Political system Sensory system Social system Solar System System Systems of measurement
Fields of theoryChaos theory Complex systems Control theory Cybernetics Holism in science Sociotechnical systems theory Systems biology Systems dynamics Systems ecology Systems engineering Systems theory Systems science
Systems scientistsRussell L. Ackoff William Ross Ashby Gregory Bateson Ludwig von Bertalanffy Kenneth E. Boulding C. West Churchman Heinz von Foerster Charles Franois Jay Wright Forrester Ralph W. Gerard Debora Hammond George Klir Niklas Luhmann Humberto Maturana Donella Meadows Mihajlo D. Mesarovic Howard T. Odum Talcott Parsons Ilya Prigogine Anatol Rapoport Francisco Varela John N. Warfield Norbert Wiener
September 19 is the 1st day of the year (2nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 0 days remaining.

Events

  • 335 - Dalmatius is raised to the rank of Caesar by his uncle Constantine I.

..... Click the link for more information.
19th century - 20th century - 21st century
1870s  1880s  1890s  - 1900s -  1910s  1920s  1930s
1898 1899 1900 - 1901 - 1902 1903 1904

Year 1901 (MCMI
..... Click the link for more information.
Vienna (German: Wien [viːn], see also ) is the capital of Austria, and also one of the nine States of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primate city; with a population of about 1.
..... Click the link for more information.
Anthem
Land der Berge, Land am Strome   (German)
Land of Mountains, Land on the River
..... Click the link for more information.
June 12 is the 1st day of the year (2nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 0 days remaining.

Events

  • 1381 - Peasants' Revolt: In England rebels arrive at Blackheath.

..... Click the link for more information.
19th century - 20th century - 21st century
1940s  1950s  1960s  - 1970s -  1980s  1990s  2000s
1969 1970 1971 - 1972 - 1973 1974 1975

Year 1972 (MCMLXXII
..... Click the link for more information.
State of New York

Flag of New York Seal
Nickname(s): The Empire State
Motto(s): Excelsior!

Official language(s) None

Capital Albany
Largest city New York City

..... Click the link for more information.
Motto
"In God We Trust"   (since 1956)
"E Pluribus Unum"   ("From Many, One"; Latin, traditional)
Anthem
..... Click the link for more information.
Universitate Vindobonensi, also Alma Mater Rudolphina

Established 1365
Type public
Rector Professor Georg Winckler
Students c. 63,000
Location Vienna, Austria
..... Click the link for more information.
Biology (from Greek: βίος, bio, "life"; and λόγος, logos, "knowledge"), also referred to as the biological sciences, is the scientific study of life.
..... Click the link for more information.
Systems theory is an interdisciplinary field of science. It studies the nature of complex systems in nature, society, and science. More specificially, it is a framework by which one can analyze and/or describe any group of objects that work in concert to produce some result.
..... Click the link for more information.
Systems theory is an interdisciplinary field of science. It studies the nature of complex systems in nature, society, and science. More specificially, it is a framework by which one can analyze and/or describe any group of objects that work in concert to produce some result.
..... Click the link for more information.
Rudolf Carnap (May 18, 1891, Ronsdorf, Germany – September 14, 1970, Santa Monica, California) was an influential philosopher who was active in Europe before 1935 and in the United States thereafter.
..... Click the link for more information.
Gustav Theodor Fechner (April 19, 1801 – November 28, 1887), was a German experimental psychologist. A pioneer in experimental psychology and founder of psychophysics, he inspired many 20th century scientists and philosophers, including the philosopher Professor
..... Click the link for more information.
Nicolai Hartmann (February 20, 1882 – October 9, 1950) was a German philosopher.

Biography

Hartmann was born, of German descent, in Riga, now Latvia and then capital of the Russian province of Livonia.
..... Click the link for more information.
Otto Neurath (born December 10 1882 in Vienna, died December 22 1945 in Oxford) was an Austrian philosopher of science, sociologist, and political economist. Before he was forced to flee his native country for Great Britain in the wake of the Nazi occupation, Neurath was one of the
..... Click the link for more information.
Moritz Schlick listen   (help info ) (April 14, 1882–June 22, 1936) was a German philosopher and the founding father of logical positivism and the Vienna Circle.
..... Click the link for more information.
Russell Lincoln Ackoff (12 February, 1919) is an American systems scientist, and was professor at the Wharton School in operations research and systems sciences. Ackoff was a pioneer in the field of operations research, systems thinking and management science.
..... Click the link for more information.
Kenneth Ewart Boulding (January 18 1910 - March 18 1993) was an economist, educator, peace activist, poet, religious mystic, devoted Quaker, systems scientist, and interdisciplinary philosopher.
..... Click the link for more information.
Peter Checkland (1930 Birmingham, UK) is a British management scientist and professor of Systems at Lancaster University. He is the developer of soft systems methodology (SSM): a methodology based on a way of systems thinking.
..... Click the link for more information.
Charles West Churchman (August 29, 1913 – March 21, 2004) was an American philosopher in the field of management science, operations research and systems theory. He is internationally known for his pioneering work in operations research and system analysis.
..... Click the link for more information.
Jay Wright Forrester (born 14 July 1918, Climax, Nebraska) is a pioneer American computer engineer, systems scientist and was professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management.
..... Click the link for more information.
Integral thought>Integral Thought
Historical integral thinkers:
  • James Mark Baldwin
  • Haridas Chaudhuri
  • Jean Gebser
  • Aurobindo Ghose
  • Clare Graves
  • Edward Haskell
  • Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
  • Arthur M.

..... Click the link for more information.
James Grier Miller (b 1916 d. November 7, 2002) was a biologist who authored living systems theory and the founding director of the University of Michigan Mental Health Research Institute (MHRI).
..... Click the link for more information.
Anatol Rapoport (Russian: Анато́лий Бори́сович Рапопо́рт
..... Click the link for more information.
September 19 is the 1st day of the year (2nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 0 days remaining.

Events

  • 335 - Dalmatius is raised to the rank of Caesar by his uncle Constantine I.

..... Click the link for more information.
19th century - 20th century - 21st century
1870s  1880s  1890s  - 1900s -  1910s  1920s  1930s
1898 1899 1900 - 1901 - 1902 1903 1904

Year 1901 (MCMI
..... Click the link for more information.
Vienna (German: Wien [viːn], see also ) is the capital of Austria, and also one of the nine States of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primate city; with a population of about 1.
..... Click the link for more information.
Anthem
Land der Berge, Land am Strome   (German)
Land of Mountains, Land on the River
..... Click the link for more information.
June 12 is the 1st day of the year (2nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 0 days remaining.

Events

  • 1381 - Peasants' Revolt: In England rebels arrive at Blackheath.

..... Click the link for more information.

This article is copied from an article on Wikipedia.org - the free encyclopedia created and edited by online user community. The text was not checked or edited by anyone on our staff. Although the vast majority of the wikipedia encyclopedia articles provide accurate and timely information please do not assume the accuracy of any particular article. This article is distributed under the terms of GNU Free Documentation License.