CONCEPTUAL BLOCKING
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 591 ▶ |
| Object type | Human sciences |
K. BAILEY writes: “Conceptual blocking occurs when use of some vital concept is precluded within a paradigm by the use of some other concept which contradicts or prohibits its use. For example, PARSONS over reliance on the concept of equilibrium in his social systems theory precluded or blocked the effective analysis of social change in systems not characterized by equilibrium. That is, if the concept was said to be equilibrium, this was defined in such a way that change was minimized or short lived. Further, since only systems in equilibrium were emphasized, the analysis of change in other systems was neglected”(1996, p. 8)
As an example, PRIGOGINE's model of dissipative structuration in systems far from equilibrium seems to be a much more adequate conceptual frame of references .
For an explanation of the deep and accelerated evolution of our man-planetary system and associated technosphere .
See also
Blindsports, Entropy production (minimum), Methodological pluralism, Model building, Sociognosis, Sociosphere, Sociotechnical system