Living in cybernetics

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to justify the theme of the ASC 50th anniversary conference; to implement Mead’s cybernetics of cybernetics; and to establish cybernetics as “a way of acting” as well as Glasersfeld’s “a way of thinking”.

Design/methodology/approach

Examination of the implicit in Mead’s cybernetics of cybernetics and comparison with Foerster’s second order cybernetics, related to the central concept of circularity – that acting and understanding form a whole.

Findings

Mead’s cybernetics of cybernetics is more general than Foerster’s second order cybernetics; the advantages of working from the bottom up as well as (instead of) the top down.

Practical implications

Cybernetics is not just a study, but a way of acting. The author lives in cybernetics. If the author wish cybernetics to regain its former influence, the author should consider the way of living in cybernetics as an example that may attract others.

Originality/value

To return cybernetics to a subject that focuses on acting as well as understanding, and to point to effective ways of acting.

Citation

Glanville, R. (2015), "Living in cybernetics", Kybernetes, Vol. 44 No. 8/9, pp. 1174-1179. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-11-2014-0258