Breadth Introduction
In this KAM I am exploring the principles of social systems. The social system that I must highlight is the public education system here in the United States and explore how and why it is failing our children. Before I can look at this one major social system, I must explore and define the world of systems theory.
First I must define systems theory through the eyes of the father of “general systems theory,” Ludwig von Bertalanffy. Bertalany was an Austrian born biologist who developed an interdisciplinary practice that describes systems with interacting components, applicable to biology, cybernetics, and other fields. Bertalanffy proposed that the classical laws of thermodynamics applied to closed systems, but not necessarily to "open systems," such as living things. His mathematical model of an organism 's growth over time was published in 1934 and is still used today (cite). Bertalanffy saw his theory as a general science of “wholeness.” He saw it as an integration of the various sciences, natural and social. He also believed that this type of integration seemed to be centered in a general theory of systems. His theory was also seen to be an important means of aiming at exact theory in the nonphysical fields of science. It also helped in 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. It can also lead to a much needed
In this KAM I am exploring the principles of social systems. The social system that I must highlight is the public education system here in the United States and explore how and why it is failing our children. Before I can look at this one major social system, I must explore and define the world of systems theory.
First I must define systems theory through the eyes of the father of “general systems theory,” Ludwig von Bertalanffy. Bertalany was an Austrian born biologist who developed an interdisciplinary practice that describes systems with interacting components, applicable to biology, cybernetics, and other fields. Bertalanffy proposed that the classical laws of thermodynamics applied to closed systems, but not necessarily to "open systems," such as living things. His mathematical model of an organism 's growth over time was published in 1934 and is still used today (cite). Bertalanffy saw his theory as a general science of “wholeness.” He saw it as an integration of the various sciences, natural and social. He also believed that this type of integration seemed to be centered in a general theory of systems. His theory was also seen to be an important means of aiming at exact theory in the nonphysical fields of science. It also helped in 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. It can also lead to a much needed