The project of "general systemology" instigated by Ludwig von Bertalanffy Genealogy, genesis, reception and advancement
Purpose - The paper aims to present the main perspectives and conclusions of a doctoral research in the history and philosophy of science conducted in France and Austria by the author on the project of "general systemology" (or "general system theory") instigated by Ludwig von Bertalanfly. Design/methodology/approach - A genealogical enquiry accounts for its scientific, philosophical and more generally cultural origins. Its genesis in Bertalanffy's works between 1926 and 1944 is explained. The process that led it to become a collective project is then discussed: the history of the Society for General Systems Research is considered, the ambivalence of its role with regard to general systemology being demonstrated. Finally, the unity of the diverse contributions to the latter's development is asserted in a framework put forward by the author in order to account for its structure and functions. Findings - While stating a comprehensive view of its history, the paper characterizes general systemology as the project of a general science of systemic interpretation of the "real" which remains topical, although it was never fully actualized. Originality/value - A new insight is thus provided on the scope and meaning of this hermeneutics: it meets the contemporary need for a better understanding of the foundations of systems research.
philosophy systems theory open systems mathematical modelling systemic thinking