(partial) Fundamental Dynamics: The General Theory of Causal Recursion: Causal recursion in theoretical physics. Causal recursion in mathematical dynamics. The systematics of goal-directed systems. The modes of asymptotic approach of goals. The variety of dynamical systems generated by a single nonlinear map. Methodological note on universal causality. Simple Applications: Causal Recursion in Population Dynamics and Economic Growth Theory (Measurable Systems): Verhulstian ecosystems and the Feigenbaum bifurcations of their equilibrium states. The role of self-regulation in biological evolution and in different ecologies. The conditions of self-steering of economic development. Complex Applications: The Self-steering and Self-regulation of Human Societies as Wholes (Non-measurable Systems): The concept of a self-steering actor. Self-regulating actors and actor-hierarchies. The law of requisite hierarchy. The cybernetic concepts of social development and underdevelopment. The governability of human society. Methodological note on possible future extensions of current theory of mathematical dynamics. Historical Illustrations of Self-steering in Different Types of Human Societies: The birth of the Western-style society of relaxed hierarchy. Underdevelopment as illustrated by Russian social history from the 9th to the 19th centuries. The gradual breakthrough of modern Western society in England from the 14th to the 19th centuries. The full-scale social revolutions and their after-effects on the European continent. The Problem of Origin: The Self-steering and Steered-from-outside Layers of Consciousness: The self-steering and steering-from-outside of man. Index.

65 lit. refs. approx., 100 illus. approx.

This book is a foundational study of causality as conceived in the mathematical sciences. It is shown that modern mathematical dynamics involves a formulation of the fundamental concept of causality, and an exhaustive classification of causal systems. Among them are the 'self-steering' and 'self-regulating' systems, which together form the class of purposive systems, on whose specific properties the book then focuses. These properties are the mathematical-dynamical foundations of the behavioural and social sciences. This is the definitive book on causality and purposive processes by the originator of the mathematical concept of self-steering.