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EDC1015 Assignment 2
Unique number 801459
4/3/2018
55981593
EDC1015 Assignment 2 April 3, 2018 55981593
1
Systems theory also called social systems theory; it is the study of society as a complex
arrangement of elements, including individuals and their beliefs, as they relate to a whole
(e.g. a country). The method of inquiry in philosophy that is concerned with the nature of
systems and their effects is referred to as systems theory. Critical theory is a social theory
oriented toward critiquing and changing society as a whole. Critical theories aim to dig
beneath the surface of social life and uncover the assumptions that keep us from a full and
true understanding of how the world works.
Systems theory perceives the nature of systems by seeing things as a whole and suggests
things work better by not splitting them into parts. It also encourages us to keep the
objective of a system in mind. According to systems theory we should approach any
problem by asking ourselves the following questions; where does the system fit into the
total environment? , how do the components of the system fit together? what helps the
system to work? , what prevents it from working more efficiently? And what is the goal of
the system? All systems have inputs which are taken and turned into outputs. Systems
absorb and generate some form of energy and they work in a certain order. The advantages
of this theory are that it is a simple philosophy in the sense that everything can be described
as a system with a function. It encourages openness and can be applied to observe anything
and everything, revealing blind spots in peoples thinking.
A form of systems theory that helps us understand ourselves is identified by Ken Wilber was
concerned with whether empirical science could be harmonised with religion. This lead to a
‘’theory of everything’’. The key to Wilber’s thought is his rejection of all forms of
fragmentation and his conviction that we need a pattern that connects. Wilber brings all
philosophies and all religions into one schema.
A famous systems theorist was Ludwig Von Bertalanffy, a biologist who concluded that living
organisms had to be studied as wholes and not split up into parts. His theory that took years
to develop claimed that everything had to be studied as a system.
Critical theory is the method of inquiry in philosophy that radically questions existing social,
political and economic systems. Critical theorists have a lot to say about power structures in
society and their influence on society. Critical theory helps us to realistically assess power
and identify those who have power and those who do not. They say that all forms of
domination stop people from being free. Critical theorists believe that all of us are trapped
by modern society and that all societies have inequalities of wealth and status. Critical
theory wants us to critically reflect on society. Critical theory aids with reassessing our lives
and our priorities.
The French philosopher Michel Foucault, observed how the shape of power changes. His
concern focused by the power of institutions such as schools, churches and big businesses.
His claim suggested that by enforcing these rules and regulations that people had to follow,
institutions force people into being artificial. But that is only the beginning of it, because all
EDC1015 Assignment 2 April 3, 2018 55981593
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organisations and institutions do not stop at this. They invade our very selves, by forcing us
to see life and to live life in a certain way.
Credo Mutwa an African Zulu shaman is the official storyteller and keeper of the Zulu people
in South Africa. He has made a pledge to expose what is happening in the world and who is
responsible for it. He feels that our lives are being taken over and we have no choice but to
see life and live in a certain way. We are forced to do things in this manner and are not free
to pursue your own way.
I feel the system theory is better suited and has more advantages, such as it is a simply
philosophy in the sense that everything can be described as a system with a function. It
encourages openness and it can be applied to observe anything and everything. A systems
theory does not set out to reform the world yet its questioning approach often reveals
inconsistencies. It practices disciplined thinking and encourages logical analysis.
Bibliography
Rethinking our world Philip Higgs & Jane Smith 4th edition
Theoretical frameworks in education only study guide for EDC1015 University of
South Africa, Pretoria.