About this book
This introduction to the world of cybernetics provides the basics and discusses the most important thought leaders, models as well as theories. Practical examples from the fields of biology, ecology, technology, society, and politics are used to illustrate the theoretical material. Questions at the end of the chapters stimulate reflection, and the author does not owe the answers. A central theme in all cybernetic considerations and a guiding theme of the book are information exchange and communication.
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Table of Contents
Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Introduction and Learning Objectives
Abstract
This textbook on “Cybernetic Worlds” could also be titled: “The Power of Negative Feedback”. Negative feedback is a process taking place between at least two subjects or objects that links a reinforcing and a balancing effect.
E. W. Udo KüppersShow less
Fundamentals
Chapter 2. A Special Look at the Origin and Mindset of Cybernetics
Abstract
Chapter 2 introduces the topic of circular thinking, which is inherent in cybernetics, with a special look at the origin and way of thinking of cybernetics. Starting with the central question “What cybernetics is and what cybernetics is not”, with related practical examples, you will be confronted with numerous definitions of cybernetics, all derived from the respective fields of application of cybernetics. Finally, special attention is given to “Systemic and Cybernetic Thinking” in six circular steps.
E. W. Udo KüppersShow lessChapter 3. Basic Concepts and Language of Cybernetics
Abstract
In Chap. “Basic Concepts and Language of Cybernetics”, various basic concepts of cybernetics are discussed in the necessary detail, which contribute to a fundamental understanding of complex cybernetic relationships. Graphic representations with practical process examples of cybernetic applications complement the texts and familiarise the reader with the various social, technical and economic areas that are interspersed with cybernetic systems of the most diverse kinds.
E. W. Udo KüppersShow less
Cyberneticians and Cybernetic Models
Frontmatter
Chapter 4. Cybernetics and its Representatives
Abstract
This chapter introduces a number of representatives of cybernetics who have had a decisive influence on the development of this interdisciplinary discipline. The one who gave the greatest impetus to cybernetics as a scientific branch and broad application was undoubtedly Norbert Wiener, which is why we begin with him.
The number of influential people from a wide range of disciplines who have each made their contribution to cybernetics is too large to be assembled here in full. On the internet alone, 56 people are mentioned, of whom some influential minds will be mentioned in due course (cf. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_bekannter_Kybernetiker. Accessed 25.01.2018).
E. W. Udo KüppersShow lessChapter 5. Cybernetic Models and Orders
Abstract
Natural, social and technical-economic systems are interspersed with cybernetic principles or features as discussed in detail in chapter “Basic concepts and language of cybernetics”.
They are—in the case of natural systems per se—open systems to the environment with which the three basic flows of our life process, energy, matter and information, are exchanged.
The following three cybernetic systems sections “Cybernetics of Mechanical Systems”, “Cybernetics of Natural Systems” and “Cybernetics of Natural Systems” are intended to provide a clear introduction to their organisation with associated principles, whereby the content is largely based on Probst (1987, pp. 46–52 Self-organisation. Order processes in social systems from a holistic perspective. Parey, Berlin/Hamburg) and drawing on recent additions to thematic complexes, which took place in the context of a conference “Exploring Cybernetics—Cybernetics in Interdisciplinary Discourse” in 2015 (Jeschke et al. 2015 Exploring Cybernetics. Cybernetics in interdisciplinary discourse. Springer, Wiesbaden).
Finally, the concluding sections “1st order cybernetics” and “2nd order cybernetics” describe two interconnected well-known order characteristics of cybernetic systems.Due to their systemic character, the presented cybernetic models interpret three central pillars of sustainable development: ecology, social affairs and economy (technology/economy), as they were elaborated by the Brundtland Commission in 1987 and on the basis of which the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development took place in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992.
E. W. Udo KüppersShow less
Cybernetic Theories and Practical Examples
Frontmatter
Chapter 6. Cybernetics and Theories
Abstract
With this chapter “Cybernetics and Theories” we enter a room full of theories whose common reference is cybernetics. However, it is not the aim and purpose to describe all the listed theories and even more extensively, which would fill books that have already been written on the respective topics of the sub-chapters. Therefore, we will put concise statements on the individual theories in the foreground of this chapter and start with systems theory.
E. W. Udo KüppersShow lessChapter 7. Cybernetic Systems in Practice
Abstract
In the concluding chap. “Cybernetic Systems in Practice” we will get to know cybernetic systems from different areas of practice. We will focus on four dominant environmental areas that affect us all—nature, technology, the economy and society. These will be concretised through a wide variety of “application scenarios”, from control circuits of the human organism and the forest ecosystem to control mechanisms of various technical apparatuses and tools, economic models and management tools, to models in sociology/psychology, “cybernetic governance” or even in the field of the military. A brief overview of the cybernetic “status quo” of these four environmental areas is given as an introduction.
E. W. Udo KüppersShow lessChapter 8. Control Questions (Q N.N) With Sample Answers (A N.N) For Chapters 2 to 7
Abstract
Chapter 2 introduces the topic of circular thinking, which is inherent in cybernetics, with a special look at the origin and way of thinking of cybernetics. Starting with the central question “What cybernetics is and what cybernetics is not”, with related practical examples, you will be confronted with numerous definitions of cybernetics, all derived from the respective fields of application of cybernetics. Finally, special attention is given to “Systemic and Cybernetic Thinking” in six circular steps.
E. W. Udo Küppers
A Transdisciplinary Introduction to the World of Cybernetics | springerprofessional.de
https://www.springerprofessional.de/en/a-transdisciplinary-introduction-to-the-world-of-cybernetics/26219126
Systems Community of Inquiry 