Variant: Mayor aims of general theory: <br>(1) There is a general tendency toward integration in the various sciences, natural and social. <br>(2) Such integration seems to be centered in a general theory of systems. <br>(3) Such theory may be an important means for aiming at exact theory in the nonphysical fields of science. <br> (4) Developing unifying principles running "vertically" through the universe of the individual sciences, this theory brings us nearer the goal of the unity of science. <br> (5) This can lead to a much-needed integration in scientific education. <br class="br">Source: 1950s, "General systems theory," 1956, p. 38, cited in: Alexander Laszlo and Stanley Krippner (1992) " Systems Theories: Their Origins, Foundations, and Development http://archive.syntonyquest.org/elcTree/resourcesPDFs/SystemsTheory.pdf" In: J.S. Jordan (Ed.), Systems Theories and A Priori Aspects of Perception. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science, 1998. Ch. 3, pp. 47-74.