Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
Fall 10-31-2026
Subjects
Metaphysics, System theory, Grand unified theories -- Physics. Ontology, Problem solving — Philosophy, Ethics, Theodicy, Reductionism, Physicalism, Incompleteness theorems, Structuralism, Historical linguistics for language
Abstract
My book, Elements and Relations*, amplifies Bunge’s characterization of the systems project as the construction an “exact and scientific metaphysics” (ESM) different from and broader than the reductionist and physicalist ontology of conventional science. This paper discusses the scientific theories constituting this project and the central notion of “system” as a structure-function dyad, where “structure” is the system’s internal order and “function” is its participation in the external order of its environment. The paper also discusses the book’s proposal of ontology and ethics as a structure-function dyad for the systems field, an ontology of problems that exemplifies the ESM idea.
Rights
All rights retained by Martin Zwick.
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/45327
Citation Details
Martin Zwick (2026). "A Philosophical Introduction to Elements and Relations: Aspects of a Scientific Metaphysics," Northwest Philosophy Conference, Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Oregon, October 30-31, 2026
Included in
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Description
Conference talk and slides.