LeGare M
Behav Sci. 1987 Apr;32(2):106-20. doi: 10.1002/bs.3830320204.
The general designations of neural systems and their levels of organization as presently applied in the neurosciences are described as being at variance with rigorous systems thinking. It is proposed that the rule-driven use of systems terminology and hierarchies would facilitate investigations of neural functioning in the natural case. General systems theory with its major propositions for hierarchical organization, open systems, and equifinality, is presented as providing the guidelines for developing systems-type theories for neuroscience investigations. General systems theory as metatheory is also used to evaluate hierarchies and systems designations in the neurosciences as these concepts are now applied in theories, models, and research. The metatheory is comprised of three sets of rules: the criteria for hierarchies; the properties of the open biological system; the criteria for the final conditions of open biological systems. The notion of the discovery of neural systems is contrasted with the apparent design of systems as frequently practiced by neuroscientists. The metatheory is summarized as directions for developing theories and as questions directed toward any neuroscience theory proposing levels of organization and systems.
神经系统的一般命名及其目前在神经科学中的组织层次，被描述为与严谨的系统思维不一致。有人提出，系统术语和层次结构的规则驱动使用将有助于在自然情况下对神经功能进行研究。提出了一般系统理论及其关于层次组织、开放系统和等效性的主要命题，为神经科学研究开发系统类型理论提供指导方针。作为元理论的一般系统理论也用于评估神经科学中的层次结构和系统命名，因为这些概念现在应用于理论、模型和研究中。元理论由三组规则组成：层次结构的标准；开放生物系统的属性；开放生物系统最终状态的标准。神经系统发现的概念与神经科学家经常实践的系统的明显设计形成对比。元理论总结为发展理论的方向以及针对任何提出组织层次和系统的神经科学理论的问题。
