Reflexivity revisited: the sociocybernetics of belief, meaning, truth and power

Abstract

Purpose

To present sociocybernetic models of observers in interaction with the aim of encouraging reflection on what is good practice in human communication.

Design/methodology/approach

Foundational cybernetic concepts of “process and product” are drawn upon to develop models of “belief”, “meaning”, “truth” and “power”.

Findings

“Belief”, following Pask and Rescher, is modelled as a coherent, self‐reproducing system of concepts. “Meaning”, following Peirce, is modelled in terms of the pragmatic consequences of holding certain beliefs to be true. The concept of “truth” is modelled as “justified true belief”, the classic ideal of the “objective sciences”. “Power” is modelled as the pragmatic consequences of social interaction.

Originality/value

The paper invites the members of the sociocybernetics community to reflect on the reflexive nature of these models and to critically monitor and evaluate the quality of the communication within that community.

Citation

Scott, B. (2006), "Reflexivity revisited: the sociocybernetics of belief, meaning, truth and power", Kybernetes, Vol. 35 No. 3/4, pp. 308-316. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920610653638