The purpose of the paper is to show how the sustainability of urban settlements can be improved by treating as a variable the design of property rights: to realty, corporations…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to show how the sustainability of urban settlements can be improved by treating as a variable the design of property rights: to realty, corporations, and currencies, and the communication and control architecture of communities.
Design/methodology/approach
System science shows how the resulting increases in the richness and variety of communication and control channels improve the governance of urban precincts. The new variables also provide a way to integrate the design of the built environment into the design of its governance architecture. The scope of orthodox economic analysis is extended to include the value of assets and liabilities to provide additional feedback signals. This more holistic economic framework increases the richness of the “semiotic” channel of social communication and control that complements those based on senses, words and prices.
Findings
The analysis reveals self‐reinforcing feed‐forward and feedback channels between the use and maintenance of the built environment and its governance architecture not available in less holistic design frameworks.
Practical implications
The paper identifies the need for urban planners to extend their discipline to become governance architects and how the knowledge of system scientists can be applied to improve the design of capitalism.
Originality/value
A new design paradigm is identified that allows improvements to be introduced in the ability of towns or suburbs, to become self‐financing, self‐governing political units. The paradigm identifies how capitalism can be designed to become more efficient, equitable, responsive, and democratic.
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This chapter describes how governments and regulators could introduce selective de-regulation based on exempting corporations from existing practices when they amend their…
Abstract
This chapter describes how governments and regulators could introduce selective de-regulation based on exempting corporations from existing practices when they amend their constitutions to provide superior outcomes for investors and other stakeholders. An example is presented on how a company efficiently raised new equity through constitutional changes that also allowed the regulator to exempt it from the compliance processes and costs of changing auditors. System science is used to argue that the introduction of self-enforcing co-regulation based on outcomes rather than practices could introduce competition for developing the most efficient and effective regulation by both companies and regulators.
A discussion on the CybCom list about relations with Islam and other ideologies is reviewed, as well as another prompted by the 25th anniversary of the International Federation…
Abstract
Purpose
A discussion on the CybCom list about relations with Islam and other ideologies is reviewed, as well as another prompted by the 25th anniversary of the International Federation for Systems Research. The latter includes warnings of a perilous situation for mankind, with the suggestion that the work of von Bertalanffy offers a remedy. The Social Science Research Net, and a newsletter giving advice to users of the Windows operating system, are briefly described.
Design/methodology/approach
The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.
Findings
Attention is drawn to certain worrying features ascribed to Islamic culture, but with attention also to its peaceful side and much thoughtful discussion about the place of ideologies in society. An imminent crisis in human affairs is predicted, with some pointers towards a remedy.
Practical implications
The CybCom list, and others mentioned, are valuable sources, both of thoughtful treatments and practical hints.
Originality/value
It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
Details
Keywords
The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.
Design/methodology/approach
A discussion in the CYBCOM discussion list, on possible revision of the definition and nomenclature of cybernetics, is reviewed and discussed, as are also certain proposals for enhancement of existing systems of parliamentary democracy, indicated by e‐democracy.
Findings
It is argued that the term “governance” has vagueness and that its use in a definition of cybernetics does lead to clarification. Wiener's reference to “control” is defended, with the observation that it should be realised in loops‐within‐loops, contrary to some treatments emphasising simple circularity. It is observed that principles of e‐democracy are cogently defended by several writers.
Practical implications
Reference to “governance” highlights a need to be clear about the aims of government in general. Proposals for e‐democracy deserve serious consideration.
Originality/value
It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
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Abstract
Details
Keywords
Selections from topics discussed on the CybCom list over a particularly active period in early 2006 are reviewed. These include the relevance of autopoiesis to sociology, courses…
Abstract
Purpose
Selections from topics discussed on the CybCom list over a particularly active period in early 2006 are reviewed. These include the relevance of autopoiesis to sociology, courses of instruction on cybernetics, cybernetics applied to social theory, the “ethical imperative” of von Foerster, and Günther's “polylogic”. Other lists on the internet are also described.
Design/methodology/approach
The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.
Findings
The relevance of autopoiesis to sociology is dubious; various courses of instruction exist but cyberneticians should try to enhance visibility; information flows in social systems have useful correspondence to those in living organisms; the “ethical imperative” is not a universal rule; “polylogic” is of interest but not yet embodied in a working computer.
Practical implications
The CybCom list, and others mentioned, are valuable sources of stimulating material.
Originality/value
It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
Details
Keywords
The aim of this paper is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.
Design/methodology/approach
A review is made of sources of comment on recent protest activities, most notably in New York and London, the protests aimed at financial institutions and the gross inequalities resulting from their activities. The comments include concrete suggestions for improvements.
Findings
The paper finds that the activists include thoughtful and articulate members whose views deserve careful attention. An indicator of the strength of their case is a review in the New York Times of the “panic” reactions of moneyed interests.
Practical implications
Suggestions for improvements are made in the material reviewed. Some of them depend on worldwide imposition of regulations, with no faction “breaking ranks”. The issues are deeply felt and protest will continue, with worldwide impact.
Originality/value
It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
Details
Keywords
The widely accepted view that global warming is man‐made and largely due to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been disputed in a powerful and closely argued “critique” reviewed…
Abstract
Purpose
The widely accepted view that global warming is man‐made and largely due to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been disputed in a powerful and closely argued “critique” reviewed here, including some retraction by James Lovelock. Attention is drawn to a new online video on the life and contributions of the economist Adam Smith, and to development of the smallest‐ever diamond transistor. The death of the experimental psychologist Richard Gregory is reported.
Design/methodology/approach
The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.
Findings
The main finding is that currently accepted views of anthropomorphic global warming are subject to serious doubt.
Practical implications
It seems likely that the “greenhouse” effect of carbon dioxide can be discounted, allowing major revisions of energy policy and increased exploitation of fossil fuel resources, though with attention also to renewable sources that will be needed when the fossil fuels run out. The diamond transistor will eventually allow increase in speed in digital devices.
Originality/value
It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.