Society-- a Complex Adaptive System: Essays in Social TheoryFirst published in 1998. Society-A Complex Adaptive System aims to re-establish a firm scientific foundation for contemporary sociology, incorporating current extensions to a systems approach, such as complex adaptive systems and aspects of contemporary dynamic systems theory. The essays brought together to form this volume address general problem areas in basic theory and methodology. The work then develops to focus on the more empirically relevant core of social theory-socio-cultural regulation and control-with concern for adaptive structure changing and structure conserving aspects. In addition, the book is focused on dynamic processes rather than static structural or functional concepts. |
Contents
An Overview | 35 |
FIVE | 59 |
SEVEN | 77 |
EIGHT | 125 |
ELEVEN | 183 |
and Authority | 193 |
THIRTEEN Social Stratification and Social | 241 |
FOURTEEN Science Policy and Values | 255 |
Endnotes | 271 |
Selected Bibliography | 293 |
Common terms and phrases
action analysis Anatol Rapoport argued authority basic behavior biological brain causal chaos theory Chapter cognitive Cognitive Science complex adaptive system components concept consciousness consensus cultural cybernetic decisions defined degree deviance differentiation discussion dynamic E. O. Wilson economic empirical environment environmental especially evolution evolutionary example external world feedback framework function genetic goal-seeking goals homeostasis homeostatic human Ibid implies important individual input institutional institutionalized interac interaction internal interrelations involved kind knowledge legitimate logical logical atomism mapping Mead meaning mechanisms mental methodology modern systems morphogenesis morphogenic nature norms organization orientation patterns person perspective physical positions potential principle problem psychological relations relatively role scientific scientists selection self-regulation social control social science Social Stratification social structure social system society sociocultural evolution sociocultural system sociology stability stratification suggested symbols systems research systems theory theoretical tion tional tive transactions underlying values variables variety
References to this book
Managing Organizational Complexity: Philosophy, Theory and Application Kurt Richardson,Kurt Antony Richardson No preview available - 2005 |