Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1901-1972)

Passages from General System Theory (1968)


General System Theory, therefore, is a general science of 'wholeness'.

(1) There is a general tendency towards integration in the various sciences, natural and social.

(2) Such integration seems to be centred in a general theory of systems.

(3) Such theory may be an important means of aiming at exact theory in the nonphysical fields of science.

(4) Developing unifying principles running 'vertically' through the universe of the individual sciences, this theory brings us nearer to the goal of the unity of science.

(5) This can lead to a much-needed integration in scientific education.