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1 – 10 of 24Cor van Dijkum and Johannes J.F. Schroots
To demonstrate that the past of the social sciences contains all the elements of sociocybernetics and that those elements combined with the logic of modern interdisciplinary…
Abstract
Purpose
To demonstrate that the past of the social sciences contains all the elements of sociocybernetics and that those elements combined with the logic of modern interdisciplinary simulation research will meet challenges modern society poses to those sciences.
Design/methodology/approach
A historical analysis, leading to an outline of advanced logic of social science research, shows the way to modern (computer) simulation research.
Findings
When the theoretical principles of sociocybernetics are put into practice by doing (empirically based) simulation research, it can handle in a scientifically valid way a number of research questions modern complex society poses, such as how processes of self‐organization in individuals, groups and institutes can be described and understood; self‐organization of autobiographic memory of individuals can be simulated in a computer; these individual memories are related to collective memories of generations; these different generations of social researchers can work together and balance in a creative synergy between the wisdom of the past and surprising hypotheses of the future.
Research limitations/implications
Social sciences researchers have to work with advanced logic of research such as is propagated in simulation research and by sociocybernetics.
Practical implications
Different generations of sociocyberneticians here to work together in (empirically based) simulation research to demonstrate the usefulness of sociocybernetical theory and logic.
Originality/value
Sociocybernetics is not an exotic field but a normal legitimate constituent of the social sciences.
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Cybernetics started when Wiener stated that not only observations but also the way the observer feeds them back into reality are part of science. Dynamic system analysis supported…
Abstract
Cybernetics started when Wiener stated that not only observations but also the way the observer feeds them back into reality are part of science. Dynamic system analysis supported the art and science of steering with feedback by computer modelling techniques. Cybernetics introduced the question of how self‐reference functioned in the feedback between observer and models. This led to the idea of cybernetics of the second order. Analyses the logic of feedback and how it relates to the question of how logical, mathematical and linguistic instruments can articulate scientific observations and connected theories. Uses the concept of complexity to relate cybernetics to the interdisciplinary practice of modern science. Presents the notion of “strangification” as a concept by which the transfer of knowledge from one discipline to another can be better understood and facilitated.
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To consider aspects of a theory of systemic construction by discussing two concepts which will assist in our understanding of the surrounding world which it is considered is made…
Abstract
Purpose
To consider aspects of a theory of systemic construction by discussing two concepts which will assist in our understanding of the surrounding world which it is considered is made of both systemic and non‐systemic entities.
Design/methodology/approach
Considers how these entities (metasystem, network, transitron etc.) can be conceived and defined. Systemic frames notions are presented and examples of systems given. Discusses the historic use of the word “system” and systemic thinking and its varieties.
Findings
Discovered that on the basis of these concepts, an understanding of the surrounding world can be achieved which is not homogeneous but made of both systemic and non‐systemic entities. These can change when certain systemic properties are reached as well as in their specific degrees in their limitations and paradoxes.
Originality/value
Introduces an original approach to the life support system by proposing concepts that are discussed and defined and that will provide cyberneticians and systemists with a revised view of systemic thinking.
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To investigate how far sociocyberneticians have tried to meet the criterion of “empirical testability” in their publications. What changes in this respect have taken place in…
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate how far sociocyberneticians have tried to meet the criterion of “empirical testability” in their publications. What changes in this respect have taken place in recent years?
Design/methodology/approach
Inventory of papers published in Kybernetes from 1977 to 2004, and classification of sociocybernetic papers by type, i.e. the degree to which empirical testability plays a role in the argument.
Findings
The number of sociocybernetic papers has increased. The purely conceptual, theoretical or methodological papers make way for papers in which particular social systems and processes are analyzed, using the conceptual apparatus of cybernetics. However, the percentage of papers in which empirical data are used for the testing of hypotheses and models has decreased. It seems that the testability problem of sociocybernetics is unsolvable.
Originality/value
These findings lead to a reflection on the way in which sociocybernetics could eventually overcome the testability problem, by more methodological sophistication, on the one hand, and a more parsimonious formulation of sociocybernetic theories, on the other hand.
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Abstract
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An examination of critique on early systems and cybernetics approaches leads to specific tasks for second order cybernetics, particularly with respect to the role and…
Abstract
An examination of critique on early systems and cybernetics approaches leads to specific tasks for second order cybernetics, particularly with respect to the role and responsibility of the systems analyst (second order observer). The use of scientific advice should preserve as much as possible the principles of participation and democracy. This implies a modified view of the status of expert statements, as well as the necessity of certain checks and balances. The latter leads to interesting and relevant questions for cybernetics. Two mechanisms are identified that can make the role of research distorting rather than enlightening the problems at hand. Environmental issues constitute a prominent field where the limitations of classical approaches as well as the opportunities for second order cybernetics can be demonstrated. Improving on overall sustainability depends on democracy and participation. Checks and balances guarding the role of expertise are essential.
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The purpose of this paper is to encourage critics and artists to make use of a cybersystemic perspective in their work to improve its potency and long‐term value to humankind and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to encourage critics and artists to make use of a cybersystemic perspective in their work to improve its potency and long‐term value to humankind and the larger living world. The arts are centrally involved in the competitive propagation of our deep cultural identities and involved also in the marketing needed to ensure our biological identity propagation. We need better ways to formatively evaluate the arts so that requisite life‐enhancing control variety can be universally available. Unfortunately, the arts are not widely enough understood to be the crucial system steering activities that they are, for us to realize the immense visionary guiding benefits they can offer for solving the very serious global problems of the twenty‐first century.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual paper that proposes a methodology to enable critics and artists to make use of a cybersystemic perspective in their work.
Findings
Transformative re‐education of artists and critics to develop cybersystemic leveraging of their own work is now possible by deploying via the web: systemic modeling, simulations, and educative dramatic role‐play games together with learning conversations. The essential content in education for human long‐term viability has to do with how complex system steering really works and precisely how the arts play such a central role in it all.
Originality/value
Education which specifically demonstrates how cybersystemic viability principles such as: good closings, balancing loops, requisite variety, requisite heterarchy, and multi‐level learning conversations work can be used by artists and critics to steer human activity better and so can be a big part of the solution to the severe threats that the world is now experiencing.
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Mohamed Marzouk and Ismail Hosny
The housing sector in Egypt represents a considerable share of the gross domestic product (GDP) and accordingly the economy. Further, it is considered vital for any population…
Abstract
Purpose
The housing sector in Egypt represents a considerable share of the gross domestic product (GDP) and accordingly the economy. Further, it is considered vital for any population around the world, because it provides the shelter needed by people. Egyptian housing market is facing many problems which need to be solved. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This research reviews and analyzes the Egyptian public and private housing market’s key variables. As such, it highlights the importance of informed decision making through detailed analysis and study of the market, especially when planning for the future by any housing market stakeholder. The research proposes the use of system dynamics (SD) modeling to analyze the market by creating a stock and flow model using STELLA modeling and simulation software.
Findings
The results reveal that the expected newly established families will be nearly 800,000 families in year 2015/2016. Out of these numbers, 600,000 families require economic housing units, while the expected supply is nearly 300,000 units.
Originality/value
A study is made for the economic housing market, which is a very big housing market and population segment that has been suffering from negligence for years.
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This bibliometric mapping study aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the global research landscape of cybernetics. Utilizing the biblioshiny function in R Studio, we…
Abstract
Purpose
This bibliometric mapping study aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the global research landscape of cybernetics. Utilizing the biblioshiny function in R Studio, we conducted an analysis spanning 1958 to 2023, sourcing data from Scopus. This research focuses on key terms such as cybernetics, cybernetics systems, complex adaptive systems, viable system models (VSM), agent-based modeling, feedback loops and complexity systems.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis leveraged R Studio’s biblioshiny function to perform bibliometric mapping. Keyword searches were conducted within titles, abstracts and keywords, targeting terms central to cybernetics. The timespan, 1958–2023, provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of cybernetics-related literature. The data were extracted from Scopus to ensure a robust and widely recognized source.
Findings
The results revealed a rich and interconnected global research network in cybernetics. The word cloud analysis highlights prominent terms such as “agent-based modeling,” “complex adaptive systems,” “feedback loop,” “viable system model” and “cybernetics.” Notably, the journal Kybernetes has emerged as a focal point, with significant citations, solidifying its position as a key source within the cybernetics research domain. The bibliometric map provides visual clarity regarding the relationships between various concepts and their evolution over time.
Originality/value
This study contributes original insights by employing advanced bibliometric techniques in R Studio to map the cybernetics research landscape. The comprehensive analysis sheds light on the evolution of key concepts and the global collaborative networks shaping cybernetics research. The identification of influential sources, such as Kybernetes, adds value to researchers seeking to navigate and contribute to the dynamic field of cybernetics. Furthermore, this study highlights that cybernetics not only provides a useful framework for understanding and managing major economic shocks but also offers perspectives for understanding phenomena in various fields such as economics, medicine, environmental sciences and climate change.
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