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The open theory and its enemy: Implicit moralisation as epistemological obstacle for general systems theory

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  • Steffen Roth

Abstract

Ludwig von Bertalanffy decisively shaped open systems theory as challenge and alternative to the then‐dominant theories of closed systems. This strategic positioning and its success have abetted frequent and frequently implicit moralisations of openness and closeness. In this article, we draw on the concept of autopoietically closed systems to show that the prevailing affirmative bias to openness constitutes an epistemological obstacle to the advancement of general systems theory. We demonstrate how this obstacle can be removed by tetralemmatic decision programmes that facilitate the management of dilemmatic co‐occurrences of and trade‐offs between openness and closeness.

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  • Steffen Roth, 2019. "The open theory and its enemy: Implicit moralisation as epistemological obstacle for general systems theory," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(3), pages 281-288, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:36:y:2019:i:3:p:281-288
    DOI: 10.1002/sres.2590
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    Cited by:

    1. Titov Sergei & Trachuk Arkady & Linder Natalya & RD Pathak & Danny Samson & Zafar Husain & S Sushil, 2023. "Digital transformation enablers in high-tech and low-tech companies: A comparative analysis," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 48(4), pages 801-843, November.
    2. Poulis, Konstantinos, 2021. "Complexity as an empirical tendency: Promoting non-measurement as a means to enhanced understanding," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 39(4), pages 487-496.
    3. Steven E. Wallis, 2021. "Understanding and improving the usefulness of conceptual systems: An Integrative Propositional Analysis‐based perspective on levels of structure and emergence," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(4), pages 426-447, August.
    4. Steven E. Wallis, 2020. "Commentary on Roth: Adding a conceptual systems perspective," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(1), pages 178-181, January.
    5. Steven E. Wallis, 2020. "Exceeding the limits: Commentary on “The limits of transparency”," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(1), pages 170-173, January.
    6. Steffen Roth, 2020. "Of wolves and dogs and other false distinctions: A rejoinder to Wallis," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(1), pages 182-183, January.

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