The cybernetics of systems of belief

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The cybernetics of systems of belief

• October 2000
• Kybernetes 29(7/8):995-998

DOI:10.1108/03684920010342080

Authors: Bernard Scott

• International Center for Sociocybenetic Studies

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Abstract

This paper reviews the proposal by D.J. Stewart of extending the cybernetics world view, where one is limited to just two ontological domains, those of “energy” and “information”, by adding a third domain, the domain of “observer valued imparities”. A link is suggested between Stewart’s proposals and the constructivist epistemologies of second-order cybernetics which impose on the observer the obligation to take responsibility for the worlds he or she constructs, including decisions about beliefs and purposes. A model of “science” as a system of beliefs is presented. Finally, the model is given a general interpretation.