3 Versions of Cybernetics |
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engineering c. |
biological c. |
social c. |
view of epistemology |
a realist view: knowledge is a “picture” of reality |
a biological view of epistemology: how the brain functions |
pragmatic view: knowledge is constructed to achieve human purposes |
key distinction |
reality vs theories |
realism vs constructivism |
biology of cognition vs the observer as a social participant |
puzzle to be solved |
construct theories that explain observed phenomena |
include the observer within the domain of science |
explain the relationship between the natural and the social sciences |
what must be explained |
how the world works |
how an individual constructs a “reality” |
how people create, maintain and change social systems through language and ideas |
key assumption |
natural processes can be explained by scientific theories |
ideas about knowledge should be rooted in neurophysiology |
ideas are accepted if they serve the observer’s purposes as social participant |
important consequence |
scientific knowledge can be used to modify natural processes to benefit people |
if people accept constructivism, they will be more tolerant |
by transforming conceptual systems (through persuasion, not coercion) we can change society. |
Processes of systemic regulation |
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Feedback frameworks |
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Cybernetic |
Social |
Interactive |
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Feedback loop signs |
Negative |
Negative and positive |
negative and positive |
Message construct |
Message linear |
Message situational |
Cognitive and situational |
Nature of the feedback loop |
Goal directed |
Mutual causal |
Human causal |
Nature of the feedback framework |
Mechanical |
Organic/social |
Cognitive/individual Human-computer |
Applicable scientific disciplines |
Cybernetics |
Social Sciences |
Information retrieval HCI |
Domain of the systemic theories |
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from I to IV growing generality reducing constancy |
Highest level of generalization Mathematical theories of abstract systems |
System theories that intent to consider all systemic basic or fundamental characteristics |
System theories with some results on general systems |
System theories that generalize one or more, possibly not fundamental. Applied as usual |
Special theories for special discipline |
IV |
III |
II |
II |
I |
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No special sense. too general to produce a useful method. |
Can be applied to all system at least finite. As a global method or possibly specific |
Partially orientated system |
Can be applied to a lot of systems in different areas |
Lower level of generalization. Highly specific |
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Stepwise suggestive systems |
Areas of system theories oriented to general systems |
Systems for generalized theories |
Special or specific system theories |
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Source: nfm |
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