Understanding Complexity

Section One: Theories for Complex Systems. The Systemic View of the World: The INTEGRAL Logo of General Systems Research; A. Rapoport. Systems Science Fundamental Principles; J.R. Simms. A Cosmological Imperative: Emergence of Information, Complexity and Life; E.J. Chaisson. The Co-Creation Hypothesis; H. Sabelli. What is Infodynamics? S. Salthe. Section Two: Emerging Foci on Systems Research and Practice. The History on Sociocybernetics, RC51, of the International Sociological Association; R. Lee. Systems Practice at the United Kingdom's Open University; R.L. Ison. The WOSC and some Views about Cybernetics; R. Vallee. Presentation of Wiener Gold Medal to Dr. Candace Pert; S. Beer. Section Three: Human Systems in the 21st Century. On Misdirected Systems; R.L. Ackoff, J. Pourdehnad. The Complexity of Performance and the Instruments of Mastery; P.C. Wohlmuth. Understanding Imperfection; M. Zwick. Engaging with Transient Complexity in Development Projects; J. Friend. Meaning Networks and Verbal Communication: A Semiotic Perspective of Human Discourse; M. Danesi. Can Religion be Reconciled with Science? J.F. Haught. Section Four: The Challenge of Sustainability. The Bridge to Humanity's Future; W.R. Fey, A.C.W. Lam. Energy, Hierarchy and Money; H.T. Odum. Capitalism in the New Millennium: The Challenge of Sustainability; B. Shireman. Section Five: The Art and Science of Forecasting in the Age of Global Warming. Technological Forecasting and Assessment Tools: The Changing Scene; H.A. Linstone. Forecasting the Innovation of Complex Technologies; D.E. Kash, R. Rycroft. Making Technology Foresight (and Systems Studies?) Useful; A.L. Porter. Section Six: Y2K. Why the Century Date Change Occurred So Smoothly; S.A. Umpleby. Implications for the Security of the International Information Infrastructure; O. Bosch. Y2K -- 'Ten Months After': Two 'Double Binds' and a 'Double Blindness'; K.H. Muller. Section Seven: The Future of Systems Science. The Future of the Natural Systems Sciences; L.R. Troncale. Systems Thinking and the Social Sciences; M.C. Jackson. Systems Thinking for the 21st Century; G. Midgley. OR 2000: Challenges and Prescriptions for the New Millennium; S.C. Holmberg. Section Eight: ISSS Presidential Addresses. The Systems Movement and ISSS in the New Millennium; G.A. Swanson. The Systems Sciences in the Year 3000; P.A. Corning. Continuing the Traditions of ISSS -- Systems Science in the Service of Humanity; H. Nelson. Index.