Norbert Wiener and the Social Sciences

Abstract

Aims to analyse the influence of Norbert Wiener’s ideas on the social sciences and on social systems, including society as a whole. Describes Wiener’s own attitudes regarding the applicability of cybernetics to social systems and his vision on the development of modern society. Highlights sociologists and political scientists who were inspired by his ideas and deals with researchers who tried to apply his ideas to social systems. Concludes by evaluating to what extent specific ideas of Wiener have impacted on the social sciences.

Citation

Geyer, F. and van der Zouwen, J. (1994), "Norbert Wiener and the Social Sciences", Kybernetes, Vol. 23 No. 6/7, pp. 46-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684929410068334