The Systems View of Life

Over the past thirty years a new systemic conception of life has emerged at the forefront of science. New emphasis has been given to complexity networks and patterns of organisation leading to a novel kind of ''systemic'' thinking. This volume integrates the ideas models and theories underlying the systems view of life into a single coherent framework. Taking a broad sweep through history and across scientific disciplines the authors examine the appearance of key concepts such as autopoiesis dissipative structures social networks and a systemic understanding of evolution. The implications of the systems view of life for health care management and our global ecological and economic crises are also discussed. Written primarily for undergraduates it is also essential reading for graduate students and researchers interested in understanding the new systemic conception of life and its implications for a broad range of professions from economics and politics to medicine psychology and law.