A Systems View Of Man

by Ludwig von Bertalanffy

Overview

What does it mean to be human? What distinguishes man from other animals? "Man’s creation of the universe of symbols," replies Ludwig von Bertalanffy. "Man lives in a world not of things, but of symbols." Dr. von Bertalanffy explores the historical development of symbolic language, examines the nature of human values, and shows how a current breakdown of symbolic universes contributes to the feeling of meaninglessness so prevalent in modern society. He notes that a major portion of mankind’s aggressive acts are not biologically induced but arise within symbolic frameworks.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367018474
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/07/2019
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	5.75(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Also of Interest — Preface — Source Notes — Introduction — Man’s Universe of Symbols — Human Values in a Changing World — Comments on Aggression — Systems Perspectives on the Problem of Mental Illness — A Definition of the Symbol — An Etymology of Symbolism — The Evolutionary Origins of Symbolism — The Mind-Body Problem: A New View — General Theory of Systems: Application to Psychology — Toward a Generalized Theoretical Model for Psychology — Problems of Education in America — On Interdisciplinary Study — Appendix