Man in a garrulous silence

Abstract

Written in 1982 for a closed meeting of scholars, provides an insight into the thinking of the time and in particular to the contributions of the author to systems and cybernetics. Illustrates the challenge of technology to humankind and sees the coming of a second Tower of Babel which is as counter‐productive as the first. Believed it was necessary to consider practical strategies for change. Looks at the concept of human identity, considering “Oneself: a systems viewpoint”, “A Tripartite selfhood” and “The community consequence”. Provides a schematic framework for the discussion of the social cybernetics of the human condition. Considers a basic stance, and the application of rules detected by cybernetic scholarship. Outlines strategies for inducing change and examines new dimensions for planning. Emphasizes the importance of regarding planning as a matter of obtaining recognition of the frameworks that have been introduced and then facilitating choice.

Citation

Beer, S. (1996), "Man in a garrulous silence", Kybernetes, Vol. 25 No. 7/8, pp. 14-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684929610149620