Talk:Systems theory in anthropology

-This is a very good article!

-This is hilariously written.

Needed--a clear definition of systems theory
One of the main why we are facing environmental crises on a global level and breakdown in social cohesiveness is a lack of an understanding of complex systems included in our worldview. Bateson saw these crises coming and did what he could to establish a new level of science (what he called epistemology). Lawrence Bale, in GB, Cybernetics and the Social/Behavioral Sciences (1992) gave a clearer scientific explanation of the change in scientific thinking. A discussion of systems theory in anthropology should begin with a definition of systems theories in general.

Tentative ideas
When Gregory Bateson titled his 1972 book Steps to an Ecology of Mind he was indicating the importance of complex systems--like ecosystems--as a basic, underlying type of dynamic order found in many systems, including our minds. But where he first recognized complex systems was in human societies. What I've written is based on years of reading Bateson but I would have to go back and carefully document these statements. --Margaret9mary (talk) 22:56, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

Difficulties with Introduction--cleanup needed
I am not knowledgeable on this page's topic, but it appears that the introduction includes a number of imprecise and questionable claims. Early humans ('foragers', not 'hunter-gatherers') might actually have had their version of systems theory. In any case, it's irrelevant whether they needed it or had it. It would be good to have a history of the development of Systems theory, citing Bateson (or whichever genealogy is most appropriate) but if one is available, shouldn't imprecise and unencyclopedic statements be removed?

Please excuse that I have not nominated cleanup formally, as I am not very familiar with Wiki edit guidelines, procedures, and etiquette. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 89.195.28.167 (talk) 06:52, 18 March 2010 (UTC)