General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications

Ludwig von Bertalanffy's theory of laws is applicable to virtually every scientific field and has had a profound impact on biology, economics, psychology, and demography, with new relevancies today. Gathered here are Ludwig von Bertalanffy's writings on general system theory, selected and edited to show the evolution of systems theory and to present its applications to problem-solving. The new foreword by University of Vienna system theory professor, Wolfgang Hofkirchner, and Centre for Systems Philosophy director, David Rousseau, discusses the theory's contemporary applications. AUTHORS: Ludwig von Bertalanffy was the creator of general system theory and the author of ten books. He died in 1972. Wolfgang Hofkirchner is a University of Vienna system theory professor. David Rousseau is the Centre for Systems Philosophy director.