second order cybernetics

[Jochen Scholl]

There is an excellent source on the subject field of "cybernetics" on the
web - including second-order cybernetics ...

SECOND-ORDER CYBERNETICS

The cybernetics of systems involving their observers as opposed to the
cybernetics of systems that are observed from the outside (von Foerster).
Second-order cybernetics is a more recent development, involves the observer
as a constitutive (see constitution) part of a circular organization and is
concerned with self-reference, epistemology, autonomy, self-GOVERNMENT,
autopoiesis to name just a few phenomena. (Krippendorff)

see http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/ASC/SECOND_CYBER.html (access date 04/09/2001)


From: Jochen Scholl <JScholl@ctg.albany.edu>

["Lane,DC"]

RE: QUERY does any1 what "second order cybernetics" means (SD3180)

Crudely put, Second Order Cybernetics deals with the cybernetics of the
observing system and involves an interesting epistemological break from the
traditional objective stance towards subjectivity.

More details and readings can be found in:

Lane, D. C. and M. C. Jackson. 1995. Only Connect! An annotated bibliography
reflecting the breadth and diversity of systems thinking. Systems Research
12(3), 217-228.

There is also a theoretical link to the PSMs of soft OR and agency/structure
theories in sociology. See the next System Dynamics Review for a paper on
the later.




> Dr. David C. Lane
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