A dialogue on Metasystem transition

Abstract

The theory of metasystem transitions is reviewed in the form of a dialogue; a discussion of underlying epistemology is also included. Metasystem transition is the formation of a new level of control, when systems of a certain kind become integrated as subsystems of an emerging metasystem. The main tenet of the theory is that the major steps of evolution—both biological and cultural—are metasystem transitions at various system levels. Metasystem transitions are thus seen as quanta of evolution. From this viewpoint we describe the past of the Universal Evolution and try to see its future. Our discussion is divided into these sections: Epistemology, Metasystem transition, Evolution, The Human Being, and The future of the world.