Ecodynamics: A New Theory of Societal Evolution

Abstract

Scholarly inquiry has always involved the search for comprehension of particulars and universals and of connections between the two. The frequent pursuit of the particular, narrow gauge inquiry is reflected in the fragmentation of disciplines and the focus on detail of specialized inquiry. The less frequent pursuit of the universal, broad gauge inquiry is reflected, for example, in the search for inclusive field theory, in the integration and unification of science,1 and, some extent, in the integration of social thought in neoinstitutional economics. Kenneth Boulding's Ecodynamics is an impressive, multidisciplinary pursuit of universal in physical and cultural evolution. Boulding intellectually enfolds physical, biological, and social science in an effort distill and perceive therefrom patterns of space and time in the past to help in forming more accurate images of the future. Does his reach exceed his grasp? In my view, generally not; in a few instances, perhaps.