Emergence and convergence : qualitative novelty and the unity of knowledge
A "Two problems continually arise in the sciences and humanities, according to Mario Bunge: parts and wholes and the origins of novelty. In Emergence and Convergence, he addresses these problems, as well as those of systems and their emergent properties, as exemplified by the synthesis of molecules, the creation of ideas, and social invention. Along the way, Bunge examines other topical problems, such as the search for the mechanisms that underlie observable facts, the limitations of both individualism and holism, the abuses of Darwinism, the modularity of the brain versus the unity of the mind, the nature of partial truth, and the obstacles to improving medical diagnosis."--Jacket
xiii, 330 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.
9780802088604, 9781442628212, 0802088600, 1442628219
52411064
pt. I. Emergence
1. Part and Whole, Resultant and Emergent
2. System Emergence and Submergence
3. The Systemic Approach
4. Semiotic and Communication Systems
5. Society and Artefact
6. Individualism and Holism: Theoretical
7. Individualism and Holism: Practical
8. Three Views of Society
pt. II. Convergence
9. Reduction and Reductionism
10. A Pack of Failed Reductionist Projects
11. Why Integration Succeeds in Social Studies
12. Functional Convergence: The Case of Mental Functions
13. Stealthy Convergence: Rational-choice Theory and Hermeneutics
14. Convergence as Confusion: The Case of 'Maybe'
15. Emergence of Truth and Convergence to Truth
16. Emergence of Disease and Convergence of the Biomedical Sciences
17. The Emergence of Convergence and Divergence