These three little essays were written with a degree of licentia poeticae, and I hope they do not offend those few, mentioned herein, who are still with us. The purpose for…
Abstract
These three little essays were written with a degree of licentia poeticae, and I hope they do not offend those few, mentioned herein, who are still with us. The purpose for writing these quasi‐reminiscences was to offer a glimpse into the atmosphere when these great minds try to talk and relax. These light‐hearted forays contain a very incomplete list of those who worked in and significantly contributed to the realm of “informatics” and “astronautics”, the two pylons of science in the 20th Century. Because my life is teaching, I could not miss the opportunity to indulge in some didactic excursions.
Education in general, and higher education in particular, are in a state of instability, because their previous homeostasis is perturbed by several parameters. These indicate that…
Abstract
Education in general, and higher education in particular, are in a state of instability, because their previous homeostasis is perturbed by several parameters. These indicate that the subsystem “education” does not fit into the operational framework of the larger system “community dynamics”. It is therefore suggested that a cybernetic approach to pedagogy can reform the present structure of higher education.
The process of ageing is discussed from the point of view of biocybernetics. In the first part of the paper analytical factors are enumerated. Later in the paper the…
Abstract
The process of ageing is discussed from the point of view of biocybernetics. In the first part of the paper analytical factors are enumerated. Later in the paper the synthetic‐cybernetic aspects of gerontology are discussed and some illustrative examples mentioned. Finally, assuming a successful prolongation of the life‐expectancy of man, some philosophical questions are raised concerning cybernetic interactions in a world, in which one of the most important component subsystems, man, will interact maybe five times longer with the total system than in its present semi‐homeostatic equilibrium.
This paper suggests that cybernetics and general systems theory, as a unity science, serve as a unifying language and method in science teaching. As they stand today, our school…
Abstract
This paper suggests that cybernetics and general systems theory, as a unity science, serve as a unifying language and method in science teaching. As they stand today, our school sciences are taught as separate, and indeed fragmented subjects. Cybernetics and general systems theory have developed a set of transdisciplinary concepts that can be used in a wide range of scientific contexts. Hence, should such a set of concepts be woven into the language of the science teacher, then they would act as common conceptual thread running through science. They would help to present to the student the beautiful unity that is science—a unity of pattern and of structure.
Author's preference for use of term magnetofluidmechanics instead of magnctohydromechanics; résumé of main principles; applications of the science in astronautics.
Though the coexistence of nonviolent and violent groups within a single movement is a common phenomenon in maximalist campaigns (e.g., regime change, anti-occupation), the effects…
Abstract
Though the coexistence of nonviolent and violent groups within a single movement is a common phenomenon in maximalist campaigns (e.g., regime change, anti-occupation), the effects of this coexistence remain understudied. Focusing on primarily nonviolent movements with a simultaneous “radical flank” pursuing the same goals, this study builds on previous, inconclusive literature which narrowly accounts for limited and often case-specific radical flank effects. After conducting a series of large-N regression analyses using a subset of the NAVCO 2.0 dataset, this study finds that the presence of a radical flank (1) increases both the likelihood and degree of repression by the state and (2) is most significantly linked with decreased mobilization post-repression – yet, (3) is not necessarily detrimental to overall campaign progress.
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In this chapter, I examine how religion can serve as an ideology that has the capacity to bridge people of the same faith who hold divergent political stances. Building on…
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In this chapter, I examine how religion can serve as an ideology that has the capacity to bridge people of the same faith who hold divergent political stances. Building on Williams’ work (1996), I propose that religion operates as an ideology when it diagnoses the source of social conflicts, proposes solutions, and justifies action. Yet religious ideological appeals are not always effective at bridging political divides. Thus the key question of this study is: under what social conditions are religiously-based ideological appeals effective at winning people’s support for social and political movements? To address this, I examine the relationship of religious leaders to Latin American movements that aimed to nonviolently overthrow authoritarian states. In particular, I analyze the conditions that led some religious elites to become pro-revolution while others sided with the incumbent regime. Using comparative historical methods, I analyze the different political stances of the Catholic Church hierarchy in the 1970s–1980s in Chile (where the church opposed the dictatorship), Argentina (where the church was largely supportive of the regime), and El Salvador (where the church hierarchy was divided). I argue that ideological appeals for religious leaders’ support are most effective when the religious institution receives no financial or political benefits from the regime and when leaders have relational ties to the aggrieved. Two factors had mixed effects on the decision to remain loyal to the state or not; these include the presence of an armed radical flank, and the state’s use of indiscriminate repression.
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We examine the rational utility and social–psychological approaches to develop fresh insights into nonviolent civil resistance. Rational utility models provide a useful, even…
Abstract
We examine the rational utility and social–psychological approaches to develop fresh insights into nonviolent civil resistance. Rational utility models provide a useful, even essential, starting point for understanding what movement organizers must do if they are to overcome their movements’ collective action problems. However, the model's spare definition of agency excludes an investigation of regime legitimacy, how it is constructed and the role it plays in regime continuity. Employing a social psychological approach, we introduce the concept of “ideational assault” in which movement organizers challenge the ideas that justify voluntary civic cooperation with the ruling order. Ideational assault seeks “rhetorical coercion” in which the regime is stripped of credible arguments in its own defense and must increasingly rule by sanctions alone. Ideational assaults employ frames that delegitimize the prevailing order and mobilize people to act against it. By examining several frame forms, including, calls to action, symbolic jiu-jitsu, humor, and moral appeal, we cast new light on the ideational battle that rages alongside the fight for control of the streets. We conclude by arguing that students of nonviolent civil resistance should consult both the rational and social–psychological approaches in their analysis.