This essay begins with some considerations on the role played by metaphors and models in the construction and dissemination of theories. Following, there is a review of the main systemic thought approaches - opens systems, cybernetics, autopoiesis and complexity. Each one is criticized having as reference the way they consider (or do not consider) social interaction and possibility of change. In the final considerations metaphors and models are considered again, in order to discuss some risks of simplistic transposition of knowledge between disciplinary fields.
System theory; complexity theory; self organization; change
