The unity of (social systems) science: The legacy of Bertalanffy

Abstract

The article discusses Bertalanffy's project for the unity of science in the particular field of social sciences. The aim is to analyse shortcomings and to sketch new approaches to this matter. We identify two main obstacles, namely, the inner differentiation of social systems science and the threat of methodological nativism to Bertalanffy's project. Furthermore, the article examines the concepts of scientific system and cosmopolitanism as opposites to such obstacles and as legacies of Bertalanffy's view of science as well. The conclusion resumes the arguments and proposes new paths for general systems theory.