Global Education (GE)

IN QUEST OF THE SCIENCE OF EDUCATION
FROM REDUCTIONISTIC DISCOURSE TO SYSTEMIC THEORY
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The academic world tends to promote working in isolation. I must confess, however, that this work would have been utterly impossible without numerous stimulating, inquisitive, informative, critical or otherwise inspirational discussions. These discussions have taken place not only with colleagues but also, to a large degree, with all kinds of people and representatives of many different cultures and mentalities. Therefore, my first thanks goes to the diversity of the human race, providing me with the richness of background and world-view that has facilitated the writing of this study.

It is befitting here to express my abiding gratitude to my dear parents, Kiumars & Mahintaj Izadi, who, since my childhood, spurred me forward in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, and in critical search for truth in all matters -- encouraging an inquisitive mentality, coupled with a sense of purpose and discipline of mind.

My warm appreciation goes to Professor Kyö Kurtakko, my supervisor, as well as to Professor Emeritus Juhani Jussila and Professor Kari E. Nurmi who, as caring mentors, put their senior experience at my disposal with critical insight into the philosophy of education. Moreover, my distinguished opponents, Professor Michael Uljens and Docent Saila Anttonen, deserve every commendation for their thoughtful and constructive feedback on this research.

I find it appropriate to mention here Professor Emeritus William S. Hatcher, the notable mathematician and philosopher. His books and essays on Platonistic thinking had a significant influence on my modes of philosophical thinking as a youngster. I also thank him for some enlightening personal conversations on ontological and epistemological topics. Likewise, the systems theoretic thinking of the renowned futurist, Professor Ervin Laszlo, and his theory of general evolution were among the first concepts of futures studies to catch my attention. It was a source of encouragement for me that he published the original research plan of my study (P. Izadi 1997) in his World Futures: The Journal of General Evolution. This certainly helps to fulfil my goal of making this dissertation an opening for ongoing dialogue in international fora.

I am indebted to my friends Mary Jane Gregory, Robert Kinghorn, and Elena Lucas-Sprague who generously took upon themselves to proofread the manuscript. Their input and suggestions for improving my usage of language and delivering my intended meaning proved indispensable.

My dear wife, Anne, must receive special thanks, not only for her care and patience during my occupation with this task, but also for her insightful reviews and commentary of the work, as a professional educator. In the same vain, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to our many longstanding friends who, on countless occasions and without hesitation, indulged me in long and provocative discourse all through the night.