2. • Austrian biologist and
philosopher, best known for his
groundbreaking work in the
field of systems theory and his
contributions to the
development of the
interdisciplinary approach
known as general systems
theory.
• In the 1920s, he began to
formulate his ideas about
systems theory, which he
believed could provide a
unified framework for
understanding complex
systems across different
fields.
• Bertalanffy's ideas gained
significant attention and
influenced a wide range of
disciplines, from biology
and ecology to
psychology, sociology, and
management theory.
• Born in
Vienna,
Bertalanffy
pursued
biology,
philosophy,
and
psychology
studies
• Bertalanffy's most influential work,
"General System Theory: Foundations,
Development, Applications," published in
1968, outlined his ideas on how systems
could be studied and understood as
integrated wholes, transcending the
limitations of reductionist approaches. .
3. This early work delves into the
philosophical and biological aspects of
form and organization in living
organisms, exploring how complex
structures arise from simpler
components.
“Kritische Theorie der Formbildung"
(Critical Theory of Form Formation) - 1928:
"Das Gefüge des Lebens" (The Web of Life) - 1932
: In this book, Bertalanffy discusses
the theoretical foundations of biology,
focusing on the concepts of
organismic architecture and the
interdependence of living systems.
"Modern Theories of Development" - 1933:
Bertalanffy critically examines
various theories of development in
biology, psychology, and sociology,
emphasizing the need for a unified
approach to understanding growth
and change across different
disciplines.
"Vom Molekül zur Organismenwelt" (From
Molecule to Organism) - 1937:
: This work explores the dynamic
relationship between molecular
processes and the emergence of
complex organisms, offering insights
into the interconnectedness of
biological systems.
4. In this book, Bertalanffy
contemplates the nature of machines,
artificial intelligence, and the
potential for machines to evolve into
intelligent entities, touching on
philosophical and ethical implications.
"Robot: Mere Machine to Transcendent Mind" - 1960:
"General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications" - 1968:
One of Bertalanffy's most influential works, this
book lays out the principles of general systems
theory, emphasizing the importance of studying
systems as integrated wholes and proposing a
holistic approach to understanding complex
phenomena across various disciplines.
"Problems of Life: An Evaluation of Modern Biological Thought" - 1952
Bertalanffy evaluates contemporary biological theories, addressing issues related to
reductionism, teleology, and the limitations of conventional approaches in understanding
the complexity of life.
5. • Focuses on understanding and
describing systems with
interacting components across
different fields.
• A system is composed of
separate components.
• It is a general science of
"wholeness”
• These concepts may be applied
to different kinds of systems,
e.g. Molecules in chemistry,
cultures in sociology, and
organs in Anatomy & Health in
Nursing.
• OPEN SYSTEM such as a
human organism/individuals or
a process such as the nursing
process interacts with the
environment, exchanging
information between the
system and the environment.
• CLOSED SYSTEM such as a
chemical reaction within a test
tube does not interact with the
environment.
As a system, the nursing process has the
following components:
