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First Problem Area: Coherence of Basic Assumptions and Concepts

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System Theory in Geomorphology

Part of the book series: Springer Theses ((Springer Theses))

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Abstract

The term ‘system’ is largely accepted as interpretation pattern within geomorphology, which is reflected in the amount of publications within which system theory serves as theoretical reference point. A search within the ISI Web of Science points to a strong increase of geomorphological system theoretical research within the 1990s and the first decade of the twenty first century (This search does not claim completeness and only serves as an indicator for a development. Furthermore, only those articles were captured that utilize “system” within title, abstract, or keywords). From 1960 to 1989 the amount of publications that referred to “geomorph” and “system” (The search algorithm was ‘geomorph*’ AND ‘systems’, and for the determination of the reference frame ‘geomorph’, respectively.) was only 28 of 903 (<5%). Within the following decades, however, system-theoretical studies showed an increase in numbers: approx. one-third of all geomorphological papers showed reference to systems in some form [27% (971 of 3,656) of the publications within the 1990s and 31% (2,205 of 7,044) from 2000 to 2009]. Although the reliability of these numbers is limited and, consequently, they are not supposed to stimulate any further analyses, it can be shown on a random basis that the theoretical foundation as well as the definitions and basic assumptions are rarely, if at all, reflected and analysed. This can be seen as an indication that systems are seen as given and ‘natural’ or obvious.

The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.

Socrates

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Notes

  1. 1.

    This search does not claim completeness and only serves as an indicator for a development. Furthermore, only those articles were captured that utilize “system” within title, abstract, or keywords.

  2. 2.

    The search algorithm was ‘geomorph*’ AND ‘system’, and for the determination of the reference frame ‘geomorph’, respectively.

  3. 3.

    The term “implicit theory” stems from psychology where it is understood as individual constructions by single persons of specific phenomena [13, 14]. This concept shows some similarities to the concept of “crypto theories”, which has been coined by Peter Weichhart within (German) human geography and which has its roots within literary studies (cf. [15]).

  4. 4.

    At the same time, this seems to be a good example forthe double ontological non-sequitur (doppelter ontologischer Kurzschluss) mentioned by Hard.

  5. 5.

    With Fuchs [38] I will call this the exculpation function (“Entschuldigungsfunktion”) of first order system theories.

  6. 6.

    In their early works, Maturana and Varela [55] describe living systems as machines. This was indeed meant as provocation and especially as alternative approach to animistic tendencies (also cf. [56] and Chap. 1). Other authors also describe living systems as machines (cf. [57]).

  7. 7.

    Maturana [53] call those systems that do not reproduce themselves by their own operations but something different, and which thus do not set their own boundaries allopoietic. An allopoietic system is a product of another, system-external process, and as it thus has to be defined by an external observer, it is a purely analytical construct [58]. Maturana [53] state that autopoietic systems can be equally studied allopoietically, that is, with regard to their input–output-relations. However, this point of view limits the degree of potential insights on the inner organisation. It is the combined approach that leads to a recognition of the system’s relations to its environment (also cf. [56] and [58]).

  8. 8.

    The process structure that enables autopoiesis consists of the processes of interaction, production, transformation, and destruction [64].

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  1. Institut für Geographie und Regionalforschung, Fakultät für Wirtschaftswissenschaften, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, Universitätsstrasse 65-67, Klagenfurt, 9020, Austria

    Kirsten von Elverfeldt

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von Elverfeldt, K. (2012). First Problem Area: Coherence of Basic Assumptions and Concepts. In: System Theory in Geomorphology. Springer Theses. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2822-6_3

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