Reflexivity and feed‐before: from sociology to systemics

Abstract

Upholds the equivalence between the sociological notion of reflexivity and the idea of self‐reference, which epistemologically and structurally distinguish those complex systems where humans participate as elements. Once there is a conceptual bridge between sociology and cybernetics, the reflexivity processes are analysed, and the expression feed‐before is proposed for the corresponding circuits, as they operate after the input, but before the output characteristic of the other complex systems is produced. After distinguishing between micro‐ and macro‐reflexivity, studies mutual connections and submits graphic designs of both types of circuit. Also briefly analyses the tempo of social reflexivity, while deducing the consequences regarding the predictability of social dynamics.

Citation

Perez de Guzman, T. (1997), "Reflexivity and feed‐before: from sociology to systemics", Kybernetes, Vol. 26 No. 6/7, pp. 751-768. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684929710169942