A further investigation of “Dialectical Thinking as a Means of Understanding Systems-in-Development

Abstract

Although this critique accepts the assumptions of Wilson and Fitzpatrick concerning a necessary congruence between a science's world view and its method of inquiry, it refutes their argument for Bunge's dialectic as a method appropriate for the study of human phenomena. It is argued that Bunge's dialectic is developed from a dualistic universe and is, therefore, incompatible with Rogers's views on the unitary nature of phenomena. Another, more internally consistent interpretation of the dialectic is introduced for consideration as an alternative.