Adverse Notes on Systems Theory

Abstract

On systems theory, my position is plain to the point of triteness: the subject is a sham. Where the work is solid, as in systems engineering, subjects are designated as parts of systems theory for largely ceremonial reasons. What remains is the shadowy stuff of general systems theory, cybernetics, the theory of self organizing systems, autopoietic theories, urban, industrial and world dynamics—the eminences of systems theory as it is generally conceived. Left out, on this conventional account, are the various applied systems theories: program budgeting, management-by-objectives, information systems, zero-based budgeting, cost-benefit analysis. There is humor here and much need for attentive contempt, but no intellectual content, so I shall stick to the grand issues of theory.