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To report on an empirical study in psycholinguistics that revealed a difference between European and American patterns of thinking and to provide a brief history of a 30‐year effort to modify the philosophy of science in order to make it more suitable as a guide to doing research in the social sciences.

Assesses the approach of Heinz von Foerster, who used a deductive approach to science rather than an American empirical approach. Furthermore, von Foerster was willing to modify not only science but also the philosophy of science. By proposing that scientists pay attention to the observer as well as the observed, he added a dimension to the philosophy of science, which affects all disciplines.

Proposes an additional dimension that might be added to the philosophy of science. Paying attention to both the observer and the receiving society suggests a communication metaphor rather than the photograph metaphor, which has prevailed in the philosophy of science. Examining the philosophical underpinnings of science rather than just testing or extending an existing theory is a type of inquiry that springs from von Foerster's enthusiasm for tackling interesting problems unimpeded by disciplinary boundaries.

An assessment of the contribution to the multidisciplinary approach to science of von Foerster.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CYBERNETICS (1982) This meeting, the theme of which was cybernetics and education, was held in Columbus (USA) from 18 to 21 October, 1982. It was sponsored by the Academy of Sciences and the State University of Ohio. Most of the participants were from the United States, but some came from Canada (4), United Kingdom (1), France (1).

The purpose of this paper is to review a variety of developments during the summer of 2009, with the most significant being an interview with James Lovelock in which he discusses dire predictions that appear in his latest book. Others refer to definitions and educational material on cybernetics. Comments are made on a debate about torture, on which cybernetics theory has been brought to bear. An appreciative comment on the early work of Vallée is noted, as is the sad passing of Barbara Vogl of the American Society for Cybernetics.

The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

The main aim is to review significant items from ongoing discussions, sometimes with interpretation that is additional to the original material, especially in the torture context.

The interview with Lovelock has important implications for management of the ecology.

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.

To describe experience of introducing contemporary West management methods in Russian University's management courses and in practice of West‐Siberian rail road management.

This paper analyzes an experience of innovative influence of a Human Resource Development Center within the Institute of Prospective Transport Technologies and Training of Human Resources, Siberian State University of Transport (Novosibirsk, Russia). Emphasizes the mechanism of innovative influence in time of transitions on the management of organizations through the education of managers.

Provides information about process of transformation on the micro‐level. Most of the work on transitions has been based on macro‐approach. An organization enables closer contact among people. Example of the applicability the methods available in the West to the situation in Russia. Provides information about how do “mentalities” change.

It is not a general approach to make innovative influence.

A useful example of using technology of participation for making changes in organization with complicated cultural environment.

This paper helps to understand the problems (obstacles) people have in transitional countries and offers practical help on the process of changes.

The purpose of this paper is to recount a disastrous result from a computer virus infection. A proposed quarantine scheme to combat malicious activity is discussed, as well as several issues bearing on internet freedom, including illegal music copying, politically motivated censorship and censorship of offensive material. Reference is made to an initiative to establish international Ackoff Centers for Design Thinking, following a suggestion by the late Russell Ackoff.

The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Internet freedom is a complex issue, with practical, political and social implications.

Maintaining virus protection is important for all computer users. The proposed quarantine scheme has much to commend it, but the thorny issue of internet freedom needs careful consideration.

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.