Systems Theory: Philosophical and Methodological Problems

First English-language edition and first printing of Systems Theory: Philosophical and Methodological Problems by I. V. Blauberg, V. N. Sadovsky, and E. G. Yudin, published by Progress Publishers in Moscow in 1977. Translated from the Russian by Sergei Syrovatkin and Olga Germogenova. Copyright page states “First printing 1977” and “Printed in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.” A substantial Soviet treatment of general systems theory, examining the historical development of systems concepts, the systems approach in contemporary science, methodological questions surrounding systems research, and the philosophical foundations of general systems theory. The English edition comprises approximately 317 pages and is cataloged as a hardcover first edition by AbeBooks; contemporary academic reviews also identify the 1977 Progress Publishers edition as a significant contribution to the methodology of systems theory. Condition: Good hardcover in dust jacket. Green jacket shows general rubbing and shelf wear with edge wear and small chips, particularly around the head of the spine and upper extremities. Spine remains clearly readable. Page edges show moderate age toning. Interior pages shown are clean and legible with expected light age toning. Binding appears sound. No ownership inscriptions or extensive annotations are visible in the photographed pages. Please see photographs for condition details. Significance / Collector Appeal: An interesting Cold War-era contribution to systems thinking from three Soviet philosophers closely associated with the development of systems methodology and cybernetics in the USSR. The work addresses not simply applications of systems analysis but the philosophical and methodological foundations underlying general systems theory. It therefore has crossover appeal to collectors and researchers in systems theory, cybernetics, philosophy of science, history of science, Soviet intellectual history, and interdisciplinary methodology. Contemporary academic journals reviewed the work following its English publication, indicating its place within the international systems-theory discussion of the period. Shipping / Returns: Book will be carefully wrapped and securely packaged for shipment. USPS Media Mail available for domestic orders; expedited and international shipping available where applicable. Returns accepted in accordance with AbeBooks’ 30-day return policy. SCI 2b.…