P.B. Porterfield – författare

There is growing evidence that an amalgamation of systems theories and communication and information theories will become the leading conceptual model for addressing human behavior. In this book we have used a theoretical frame which focuses on the coding, storage, and movement of information within and among open systems. We believe this to be a productive working concept which allows the student of human behavior to avoid the mind/body dichotomy. This conceptual framework also allows the integration of the biologic and sociologic aspects of human behavior. Using this theoret­ ical model we may see science and art as a continuum of imaginative ways of organizing information. Hence, the primary aim of this text is to provide a conceptual frame for students of human behavior which utilizes systems theories and information and communi­ cation theories in an integrated approach which is both theoretical and practical. It is written for the student in the behavioral sciences who may be planning a career in medicine, social work, psychology, nursing, guidance and counseling, the ministry, or other health and service professions. In addition, students in biology, sociology, and philosophy may benefit from this conceptual ap­ proach. It is also written for the practitioner who is cur­ rently delivering counseling and other health services to a variety of clientele.

Who are we? What are we? How do we fit into the world? Or into the universe? These and other questions pertaining to ourselves and our environ­ ment are as compelling to us today as they were to our primitive ancestors. Throughout our history we have developed paradigms of thought that have attempted to answer these questions, each conceptual framework being par­ ticularly relevant to its age. We are, in the twentieth century, witnessing a complete reorganization of our thinking. We are now, with the aid of tech­ nology, able to bring together both ancient and new patterns of thought and to observe the emergence of a kaleidoscopic world view that is uniting the once dissonant theories of philosophy, religion, and science. This book sketches an historical picture of three world views that have shaped our ideas about ourselves. These conceptual formats that have so influenced us are not mutually exclusive and are present in all of us simulta­ neously, although to varying degrees depending upon our individual biases.

Who are we? What are we? How do we fit into the world? Or into the universe? These and other questions pertaining to ourselves and our environ­ ment are as compelling to us today as they were to our primitive ancestors. Throughout our history we have developed paradigms of thought that have attempted to answer these questions, each conceptual framework being par­ ticularly relevant to its age. We are, in the twentieth century, witnessing a complete reorganization of our thinking. We are now, with the aid of tech­ nology, able to bring together both ancient and new patterns of thought and to observe the emergence of a kaleidoscopic world view that is uniting the once dissonant theories of philosophy, religion, and science. This book sketches an historical picture of three world views that have shaped our ideas about ourselves. These conceptual formats that have so influenced us are not mutually exclusive and are present in all of us simulta­ neously, although to varying degrees depending upon our individual biases.