On Purposeful Systems: An Interdisciplinary Analysis of Individual and Social Behavior as a System of Purposeful Events
Product Description
On Purposeful Systems provides an innovative foundation for looking at human and social behavior—as a system of purposeful (teleological) events. It uses a systems theoretical approach for the study of these phenomena, and illustrates and extends general systems theory. “What makes this book ‘magical’ is that Ackoff provides ‘operational definitions’ for many ill-defined words and concepts—from defining ‘knowledge’ and ‘understanding’ to providing definitions of feelings/emotions…. [T]his book represents a [paradigm] shift that has yet to be appreciated, thirty years later.”—W. Curtiss Priest, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
W. C. Priest said,
Wrote on August 29, 2010 @ 11:23 pm
In 1970 I taught from this book when it was entitled
“Choice, Communication and Conflict”
What makes this book “magical” is Ackoff (from his
management and behavioral science roots) provides
“operational definitions” for many ill-defined words
and concepts — from defining ‘knowledge’ & ‘understanding’
to providing definitions of feelings/emotions that –
operationally — you know — that if certain events take
place in a person’s life, that you know the feeling they
have.
This is only a glimmer of what this book is about. In
terms of Kuhn’s idea of “paradigm shifts” — this book
represents a shift that has yet to be appreciated, thirty
years later !
Rating: 5 / 5
Jeffrey A. Smith said,
Wrote on August 30, 2010 @ 1:33 am
The item was better than advertised, the shipment was prompt, the service excellent and friendly. I highly recommend this seller.
Rating: 5 / 5