A Study On Fritjof·Capra’s Generalized System Theory Thought

Well-known American scholar Fritjof·Capra (Fritjof Capra,1938-), is not only a scientist but also a philosopher and a ecologist. With numerous cutting-edge scientific theories and philosophical wisdom of the East as a theoretical background, on the basis of the criticism on the Descartes-Newton’s mechanical worldview, he grasped the turning point of old and new paradigm firmly,and formed his generalized system theory thought, what’s more, he proposed tentative solutions to global crises in the thinking way of Generalized System Theory.F·Capra was born in Vienna, Austria in1938. In1966He obtained a doctorate in theoretical physics in Vienna University, then went to the University of Paris in France for two years to do postdoctoral research in theoretical physics. In September of1968he was engaged in particle physics research in the University of California, Saint Kruse branch school. His profound attainments in physics make him show a strong interest in the new world outlook which was reflected by modern physics, and he began to study Eastern culture under the influence of his brother. Capra’s generalized system concept has different scientific and philosophical basis compared with mechanical worldview. Geoffrey Chew’s "boot loop" hypothesis and Boehm’s implicit sequence discussion are the most important scientific thinking pillars of Capra’s generalized system theory, while the Eastern philosophy, especially Taoism in China is the main philosophical foundation of his generalized system theory. Beginning from several representative disciplines, Capra presented his basic ideology of his generalized system theory one by one:he criticized the old mechanistic and reductionism thinking, and on this basis, pointed out the shortcomings and hazards of the various disciplines under the old paradigm, and then he established a new paradigm in the thinking way of generalized system theory. Generally speaking, Capra’s generalized system theory has four characteristics:integrity, openness, self-organization and dynamic. Modern society is supported by Descartes-Newton’s mechanistic worldview, and the worldview it reveals is inconsistent with the one modern physics reveals. To change the current situation, it is necessary to achieve the steering of new world view. Capra’s Generalized System Theory Thought provide a broader perspective for us to switch to a new worldview. At the same time, generalized systems theory ideas made the further development of materialist dialectics, and laid a new theoretical foundation for our in-depth study about the concept of scientific development in current days. Capra’s generalized system theory thinking has always been permeated with the care for human beings and nature, it addresses a series of human intractable problems such as the ecological crisis, the energy crisis, cancer, AIDS and so on and proposed generalized solutions, which is very well worth considering. Although Capra’s generalized system theory thinking has not yet matured, as contemporary German philosopher Cassirer once said:"To transform the world, philosophy is always too late", we can not erase his wisdom light, his generalized system theory thought has important guiding significance and theoretical value for us to solve major practical problems, especially in present stage of building our socialist harmonious society,and scientific and sustainable concept of development is our development direction, healthy and scientific development concept is a necessary prerequisite for people to move towards harmony, and the harmonious development of mankind and nature is people’s common pursuit.