Towards unifying science: Applying concepts across disciplinary boundaries

Abstract Unified science is one goal of systems science, but can only be achieved through a standardized, unified terminology. The practice of transporting concepts to other disciplines is widespread, but often lacks coherent planning, and thus fails to achieve terminological unification. The purpose of this paper is to explore ways that such unified terminology can be developed. Past trends in concept exportation are reviewed for a number of disciplines, showing that concept degradation is common. Four possible outcomes of concept exportation are presented. Next, strategies for terminological unification are identified. The last portion of the paper illustrates concept exportation by focusing on autopoiesis, cybernetics, and entropy. It is found that although neutral terms are often adopted, concept exportation meets resistance in both the origin and destination disciplines. Frequently prefixes are utilized to designate various applications of a term. In conclusion, an evaluation of the current state of terminological unification is offered, along with seven recommendations for the future. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.