NEW DOMAINS FOR ANALOGY: SYSTEMIC DIALECTICS AND THEORY DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

In this paper we are concerned to overcome the impoverished use of analogy (and metaphor) to be found in the early days of explicit general systems thinking and modern day interpretive systems thinking. Our aim is to focus on the fundamental methodological principles of analogical reasoning and to reconsider the utility of such thought for systems sciences in terms of systemic dialectics.

INDEX TERMS:

• Systemic dialectics
• analogical reasoning
• Critical Systems Thinking