On Purposeful Systems - Hardcover

Ackoff, Russell L.; Emery, F. E.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0422740306 ISBN 13: 9780422740302

Publisher: Tavistock Publications Ltd, 1972

Synopsis

This book provides an innovative foundation for looking at human and social behavior u 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.

Part One develops the concepts of traditional mechanism from which, successively, the concepts of "function," "choice," "goal-seeking," and "purposefulness" are derived, leading to a quantitative formulation of "personality". Part Two provides an analysis of aspects of purposeful behavior and personality, and Part Three explores the interaction of purposeful systems. Part Four is concerned with the study of social groups and ideal-seeking behavior. Finally, structural concepts underpinning the theoretical system are redefined in technological terms, thus demonstrating the non-vicious circularity and interdependence of all scientific concepts.

About this title

Review

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.... In terms of Kuhn's idea of 'paradigm shifts' - this book represents a shift that has yet to be appreciated, thirty years later. - W. Curtiss Priest, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

About the Author

Fred E. Emery was Senior Research Fellow at the Australian National University, Canberra. Previously he was chairman of the Human Resources Centre at the Tavistock Institute, and a fellow at the Center for Advanced Studies in the Behavioral Sciences, Palo Alto.

Edition details

• Publisher: Tavistock Publications Ltd
• Publication date: 1972
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0422740306
• ISBN 13: 9780422740302
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 300