Search results

The purpose of this paper is to target the problem of awareness of the history of cybernetics as a field with different actors inside and outside cybernetics. It provides a short overview on research and literature during the last two decades and pleads for a multiplicity of historical views.

Historical research, review of literature.

While it can be found that there was a growing historical interest in cybernetics, this cannot be claimed for the history of the American Society of Cybernetics (ASC) as an organization and a productive network. One reason seems to be the lack of archival sources. The article provides a proposal to reconstruct such an archive for the history of the ASC.

Stimulation of historical awareness for and in cybernetics.

Seeks to promote an understanding of a multidisciplinary approach to artificial intelligence and the humanities.

This paper is based on an interview with Heinz von Foerster.

Describes von Foerster's personal and intellectual journey which made him a transdisciplinary scientist and the founder and director of the Biological Computer Laboratory.

Provides a better understanding in how the complexity of scientific practice should be reflected in an open and flexible attitude towards the objects of enquiry.

The centenary of Gregory Bateson is noted, with reference to a mailing list and relevant Web sites. Various means of combating spam are reviewed.

Findings and good practice are reported from a project promoting engagement of PCTs with the health experiences of people with learning disabilities. Project work was most successful where it linked into mainstream NHS priorities, using good information and specialists' expertise to support mainstream practitioners.