Lovelock interview, cybernetics sources, torture

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review a variety of developments during the summer of 2009, with the most significant being an interview with James Lovelock in which he discusses dire predictions that appear in his latest book. Others refer to definitions and educational material on cybernetics. Comments are made on a debate about torture, on which cybernetics theory has been brought to bear. An appreciative comment on the early work of Vallée is noted, as is the sad passing of Barbara Vogl of the American Society for Cybernetics.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Findings

The main aim is to review significant items from ongoing discussions, sometimes with interpretation that is additional to the original material, especially in the torture context.

Practical implications

The interview with Lovelock has important implications for management of the ecology.

Originality/value

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.

Citation

Andrew, A.M. (2010), "Lovelock interview, cybernetics sources, torture", Kybernetes, Vol. 39 No. 2, pp. 379-382. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684921011021543