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Strategies for developing general systems theories
Author(s) -
Joseph Sirgy M.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 0005-7940
DOI - 10.1002/bs.3830330103
Subject(s) - heuristic , isomorphism (crystallography) , construct (python library) , value (mathematics) , openness to experience , epistemology , mathematical economics , computer science , mathematics , artificial intelligence , psychology , philosophy , social psychology , chemistry , machine learning , crystal structure , programming language , crystallography
General systems theories differ from conventional scientific theories in that they have greater unifying power, isomorphism, and heuristic value. To develop general systems theories (living or nonliving system theories) having unifying power, seven strategies are suggested showing how integration of existing theories can be achieved. To achieve isomorphic value, two strategies (the empirico‐inductive and rational‐deductive approaches) are suggested. To construct a general systems theory having high heuristic value, a strategy involving balance between “openness” and “closedness” of theories is suggested.