The systems view of life : a unifying vision / Fritjof Capra, Pier Luigi Luisi.

The mechanistic world view -- The rise of systems thinking -- A new conception of life -- Sustaining the web of life

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Over the past thirty years, a new systemic conception of life has emerged at the forefront of science. New emphasis has been given to complexity, networks, and patterns of organisation, leading to a novel kind of 'systemic' thinking. This volume integrates the ideas, models, and theories underlying the systems view of life into a single coherent framework. Taking a broad sweep through history and across scientific disciplines, the authors examine the appearance of key concepts such as autopoiesis, dissipative structures, social networks, and a systemic understanding of evolution.