The purpose of this paper is to analyse the latest findings on the economic potential of ageing and compare them primarily from a consumables perspective. The relevant question…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the latest findings on the economic potential of ageing and compare them primarily from a consumables perspective. The relevant question relating to this research was: What are the economic consequences of the demographic development in relation to consumer demand for products and services in old age?
Design/methodology/approach
Narrative systematic publications were thoroughly reviewed and collated. A systematic search was carried out in journals, books, databases, the internet as well as within the scientific community from November 2012 to May 2013.
Findings
A total of 115 relevant scientific publications were identified in this review (from 1964 to 2013). In order to gain an actual overview of the relevant literature, the results show the most recent publications from 2000 to 2013.
Research limitations/implications
There are three limitations within this paper: First, the search process used only four databases. Second, this review only took into account publications in English and German. Therefore, the review may fail to encompass all published literature. Finally, this study did not endeavour to evaluate the methodological quality of each scientific publication. Study findings were taken as reported.
Originality/value
This paper aims at analysing the economic potentials of ageing primarily from the perspective of consumption. The focus of this economics of ageing investigation is on the “demography-related” consequences in terms of the demand behaviour of the older consumers (the elderly as potential buyers). The paper deals with all the “silver economy” as a cross-sector campaign and research area for economics of ageing – a still fairly young discipline, both in science and in practical applications.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to target the problem of awareness of the history of cybernetics as a field with different actors inside and outside cybernetics. It provides a short…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to target the problem of awareness of the history of cybernetics as a field with different actors inside and outside cybernetics. It provides a short overview on research and literature during the last two decades and pleads for a multiplicity of historical views.
Design/methodology/approach
Historical research, review of literature.
Findings
While it can be found that there was a growing historical interest in cybernetics, this cannot be claimed for the history of the American Society of Cybernetics (ASC) as an organization and a productive network. One reason seems to be the lack of archival sources. The article provides a proposal to reconstruct such an archive for the history of the ASC.
Originality/value
Stimulation of historical awareness for and in cybernetics.
Details
Keywords
Stefano Franchi, Güven Güzeldere and Erich Minch
Seeks to promote an understanding of a multidisciplinary approach to artificial intelligence and the humanities.
Abstract
Purpose
Seeks to promote an understanding of a multidisciplinary approach to artificial intelligence and the humanities.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on an interview with Heinz von Foerster.
Findings
Describes von Foerster's personal and intellectual journey which made him a transdisciplinary scientist and the founder and director of the Biological Computer Laboratory.
Originality/value
Provides a better understanding in how the complexity of scientific practice should be reflected in an open and flexible attitude towards the objects of enquiry.
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Keywords
To establish the essential centrality of a circular relationship between acting and understanding, and a role learning plays in this circularity, with special reference to…
Abstract
Purpose
To establish the essential centrality of a circular relationship between acting and understanding, and a role learning plays in this circularity, with special reference to Aristotle's phronesis and sophia. The purpose of this paper is to establish a position.
Design/methodology/approach
The argument is made through critical, cybernetic analysis and argument.
Findings
The argument reconceptualises key relationships in the approach to understanding the world, and in education.
Research limitations/implications
Research implications are not explored: the argument attempts to lay groundwork for other and later work.
Originality/value
The argument establishes a cybernetic circular causality to replace the currently preferred linear causality.