Constraints and Possibilities: The Evolution of Knowledge and Knowledge of EvolutionOriginally published in the Italian,Constraints and Possibilitieshas caused a considerable stir in Europe and has already been translated into several languages. In what noted cyberneticist Heinz von Foerster called a stroke of genius, Ceruti applies a new perspective to our understanding of evolution, and startlingly outlines how the evolution of our knowledge and our knowledge of evolution have in fact been mirror images of each other. Expanding on the intellectual tradition of Gregory Bateson, Ervin Laszlo, Stephen Jay Gould, and Niles Eldredge, Ceruti's work is a testament to the paradigm shift occurring in science today. Indispensable reading for anyone interested in the evolution of our conception of knowledge. |
Contents
The Ambivalence of Modernity | 1 |
Experimental Epistemology and Genetic | 39 |
Autonomy | 73 |
Bibliography | 143 |
| 153 | |
Common terms and phrases
adaptation allopatric speciation appears Atlan biological evolution Bocchi and Ceruti categorial thought century characteristics characterized classical closure cognitive complementarity complexity concept considered constitute constraints construction constructivism contemporary science context continuity decentralization defined domain of discourse dynamics Eldredge environment epigenesis equilibrium Ernst von Glasersfeld Ervin Laszlo evolutionary processes evolutionary sciences external fact field Foerster Francisco Varela function genesis genetic epistemology Glasersfeld Gould Heinz von Foerster hierarchy Ilya Prigogine interaction interpretation invariants irreducible Isabelle Stengers laws levels limits logic matrices Maturana mechanisms methodological modern tradition Mounoud multiple nature Neo-Darwinian Neo-Darwinian synthesis Niles Eldredge notion objects organization origin paradigm particular perspective philosophical phyletic gradualism Piaget Piagetian plurality point of view possible Prigogine problem produced psychological punctuated equilibria radical reality reference relationship result scientific sense speciation species strategies structures subsystems synthesis systems theory temporal theory of evolution theory of punctuated tion transformation unitary Varela various