antlerboy - Benjamin P Taylor 4:34 pm on March 11, 2026

Wednesday, Mar 11 at 12 pm to Friday, Mar 13 at 12:30 pm

Weirdly, they stopped selling $15 onine tickets but program

Click to access NERCCS2026-program-book.pdf

And follow on twitter:

https://twitter.com/hashtag/NERCCS2026?src=hashtag_click&f=live

antlerboy - Benjamin P Taylor 10:45 am on March 10, 2026

Cybernetic Praxis, Part II: Toward a Reconstruction of Construction – Wood (2026)

Ben Wood, PMP

Project Consultant | Builder | Systems Thinker

Cybernetic Praxis, Part II: Toward a Reconstruction of Construction

Ben Wood, PMP
Project Consultant | Builder | Systems Thinker
(1) Cybernetic Praxis, Part II: Toward a Reconstruction of Construction | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cybernetic-praxis-part-ii-toward-reconstruction-ben-wood-pmp-xr2we/?trackingId=0opg5Q4iSPSmttxWTBe%2FYg%3D%3D

antlerboy - Benjamin P Taylor 5:14 am on March 10, 2026

How do we find the “why”? Vornov (2026)

How do we find the “why”? – On Deciding . . . Better 3.0

How do we find the “why”?

antlerboy - Benjamin P Taylor 3:06 pm on March 8, 2026

Mindwalk – a film by Bernt Capra

Recommended as ‘the only film about systems thinking’ on LinkedIn…
MINDWALK – YouTube

ChatGPT says:

Mindwalk (1990) is an unusual film. It is almost entirely a long philosophical conversation rather than a conventional story. The director is Bernt Amadeus Capra, and the ideas come largely from his brother, physicist Fritjof Capra, especially the book The Turning Point (1982). (Wikipedia)

The film runs about 112 minutes and stars Liv Ullmann, Sam Waterston, and John Heard. It was filmed largely on location at Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, whose medieval architecture and tides serve as a kind of symbolic backdrop to the discussion. (Wikipedia)

The basic premise
Three people wander around the island and talk:

• Sonia Hoffman – a Norwegian physicist who left her research career after realising it was feeding weapons development.
• Jack Edwards – an American politician recovering from a failed presidential campaign.
• Thomas Harriman – a poet and former political speechwriter who is disillusioned with politics. (Wikipedia)

The entire film is essentially their walk and conversation. They move through cloisters, terraces, and courtyards while arguing about science, politics, ecology, economics, and culture.

The core idea
The film’s intellectual centre is systems thinking. Sonia argues that modern society still thinks in a mechanistic, reductionist way inherited from Newtonian science. Instead, she proposes a holistic or systems view, where ecological, social, technological, and economic processes are interconnected networks. (What’s After the Movie?)

So the conversation ranges across things like:

• quantum physics and uncertainty
• ecological limits and environmental damage
• how political decisions ripple through complex systems
• the relationship between science, ethics, and power

Rather than giving solutions, the film tries to shift the frame of thinking—from isolated problems to interacting systems. (What’s After the Movie?)

Style and structure
It’s basically a “conversation film”. The drama is intellectual rather than plot-driven. The closest comparisons are films like My Dinner with Andre or, later, Linklater’s dialogue films. Critics often note that the risk with such films is that characters become mouthpieces for ideas. (sensesofcinema.com)

To counter that, the film uses:

• the striking setting of Mont-Saint-Michel
• shifting camera compositions of the three characters
• poetry (including a reading of Neruda at the end)

These elements keep the film from becoming purely didactic.

Reception
Critics often say the same thing: it’s thoughtful but demanding. One review described it as an engaging but dialogue-heavy film that mostly appeals to viewers already sympathetic to its ecological and systems-thinking ideas. (Wikipedia)

Why it still gets talked about
Despite being small and somewhat obscure, Mindwalk became a cult favourite in intellectual and ecological circles because it tried to translate systems theory and modern physics into a human conversation about society.

For people interested in systems thinking, complexity, ecology, or the philosophy of science, it’s almost a cinematic essay rather than a typical film.

If you want, I can also explain the key systems ideas in the film (Capra’s worldview, deep ecology, network thinking, etc.). That’s really the heart of it.

Jon Awbrey 10:12 am on March 6, 2026
Tags: Amphecks ( 23 ), Animata ( 25 ), Boolean Algebra ( 23 ), Boolean Functions ( 24 ), C.S. Peirce ( 43 ), Cactus Graphs ( 24 ), Change ( 22 ), cybernetics ( 35 ), Differential Calculus ( 22 ), Differential Logic ( 24 ), Discrete Dynamics ( 22 ), Equational Inference ( 24 ), Functional Logic ( 23 ), Gradient Descent ( 21 ), Graph Theory ( 26 ), Inquiry Driven Systems ( 27 ), logic ( 45 ), Logical Graphs ( 25 ), Mathematics ( 44 ), Minimal Negation Operators ( 24 ), Propositional Calculus ( 24 ), Time ( 21 ), Visualization ( 30 )

Differential Logic • 18

Tangent and Remainder Maps

If we follow the classical line which singles out linear functions as ideals of simplicity then we may complete the analytic series of the proposition $f = pq : X \to \mathbb{B}$ in the following way.

The next venn diagram shows the differential proposition $\mathrm{d}f = \mathrm{d}(pq) : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$ we get by extracting the linear approximation to the difference map $\mathrm{D}f = \mathrm{D}(pq) : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$ at each cell or point of the universe $X.$ What results is the logical analogue of what would ordinarily be called the differential of $pq$ but since the adjective differential is being attached to just about everything in sight the alternative name tangent map is commonly used for $\mathrm{d}f$ whenever it’s necessary to single it out.

$\text{Tangent Map}~ \mathrm{d}(pq) : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$

To be clear about what’s being indicated here, it’s a visual way of summarizing the following data.

$\begin{array}{rcccccc} \mathrm{d}(pq) & = & p & \cdot & q & \cdot & \texttt{(} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{,} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{)} \\[4pt] & + & p & \cdot & \texttt{(} q \texttt{)} & \cdot & \mathrm{d}q \\[4pt] & + & \texttt{(} p \texttt{)} & \cdot & q & \cdot & \mathrm{d}p \\[4pt] & + & \texttt{(} p \texttt{)} & \cdot & \texttt{(} q \texttt{)} & \cdot & 0 \end{array}$

To understand the extended interpretations, that is, the conjunctions of basic and differential features which are being indicated here, it may help to note the following equivalences.

$\begin{matrix} \texttt{(} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{,} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{)} & = & \texttt{~} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{~} \texttt{(} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{)} & + & \texttt{(} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{)} \texttt{~} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{~} \\[4pt] dp & = & \texttt{~} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{~} \texttt{~} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{~} & + & \texttt{~} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{~} \texttt{(} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{)} \\[4pt] \mathrm{d}q & = & \texttt{~} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{~} \texttt{~} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{~} & + & \texttt{(} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{)} \texttt{~} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{~} \end{matrix}$

Capping the analysis of the proposition $pq$ in terms of succeeding orders of linear propositions, the final venn diagram of the series shows the remainder map $\mathrm{r}(pq) : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B},$ which happens to be linear in pairs of variables.

$\text{Remainder}~ \mathrm{r}(pq) : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$

Reading the arrows off the map produces the following data.

$\begin{array}{rcccccc} \mathrm{r}(pq) & = & p & \cdot & q & \cdot & \mathrm{d}p ~ \mathrm{d}q \\[4pt] & + & p & \cdot & \texttt{(} q \texttt{)} & \cdot & \mathrm{d}p ~ \mathrm{d}q \\[4pt] & + & \texttt{(} p \texttt{)} & \cdot & q & \cdot & \mathrm{d}p ~ \mathrm{d}q \\[4pt] & + & \texttt{(} p \texttt{)} & \cdot & \texttt{(} q \texttt{)} & \cdot & \mathrm{d}p ~ \mathrm{d}q \end{array}$

In short, $\mathrm{r}(pq)$ is a constant field, having the value $\mathrm{d}p~\mathrm{d}q$ at each cell.

Resources

cc: Academia.edu • Cybernetics • Laws of Form • Ma^thstodon (1) (2)
cc: Research Gate • Structural Modeling • Systems Science • Syscoi

#amphecks, #animata, #boolean-algebra, #boolean-functions, #c-s-peirce, #cactus-graphs, #change, #cybernetics, #differential-calculus, #differential-logic, #discrete-dynamics, #equational-inference, #functional-logic, #gradient-descent, #graph-theory, #inquiry-driven-systems, #logic, #logical-graphs, #mathematics, #minimal-negation-operators, #propositional-calculus, #time, #visualization

Jon Awbrey 11:56 am on March 5, 2026
Tags: Amphecks ( 23 ), Animata ( 25 ), Boolean Algebra ( 23 ), Boolean Functions ( 24 ), C.S. Peirce ( 43 ), Cactus Graphs ( 24 ), Change ( 22 ), cybernetics ( 35 ), Differential Calculus ( 22 ), Differential Logic ( 24 ), Discrete Dynamics ( 22 ), Equational Inference ( 24 ), Functional Logic ( 23 ), Gradient Descent ( 21 ), Graph Theory ( 26 ), Inquiry Driven Systems ( 27 ), logic ( 45 ), Logical Graphs ( 25 ), Mathematics ( 44 ), Minimal Negation Operators ( 24 ), Propositional Calculus ( 24 ), Time ( 21 ), Visualization ( 30 )

Differential Logic • 17

Enlargement and Difference Maps

Continuing with the example $pq : X \to \mathbb{B},$ the following venn diagram shows the enlargement or shift map $\mathrm{E}(pq) : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$ in the same style of field picture we drew for the tacit extension $\boldsymbol\varepsilon (pq) : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}.$

$\text{Enlargement}~ \mathrm{E}(pq) : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$

$\begin{array}{rcccccc} \mathrm{E}(pq) & = & p & \cdot & q & \cdot & \texttt{(} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{)(} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{)} \\[4pt] & + & p & \cdot & \texttt{(} q \texttt{)} & \cdot & \texttt{(} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{)~} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{~} \\[4pt] & + & \texttt{(} p \texttt{)} & \cdot & q & \cdot & \texttt{~} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{~(} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{)} \\[4pt] & + & \texttt{(} p \texttt{)} & \cdot & \texttt{(} q \texttt{)} & \cdot & \texttt{~} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{~~} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{~} \end{array}$

A very important conceptual transition has just occurred here, almost tacitly, as it were. Generally speaking, having a set of mathematical objects of compatible types, in this case the two differential fields $\boldsymbol\varepsilon f$ and $\mathrm{E}f,$ both of the type $\mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B},$ is very useful, because it allows us to consider those fields as integral mathematical objects which can be operated on and combined in the ways we usually associate with algebras.

In the present case one notices the tacit extension $\boldsymbol\varepsilon f$ and the enlargement $\mathrm{E}f$ are in a sense dual to each other. The tacit extension $\boldsymbol\varepsilon f$ indicates all the arrows out of the region where $f$ is true and the enlargement $\mathrm{E}f$ indicates all the arrows into the region where $f$ is true. The only arc they have in common is the no‑change loop $\texttt{(} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{)(} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{)}$ at $pq.$ If we add the two sets of arcs in mod 2 fashion then the loop of multiplicity 2 zeroes out, leaving the 6 arrows of $\mathrm{D}(pq) = \boldsymbol\varepsilon(pq) + \mathrm{E}(pq)$ shown in the following venn diagram.

$\text{Difference}~ \mathrm{D}(pq) : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$

$\begin{array}{rcccccc} \mathrm{D}(pq) & = & p & \cdot & q & \cdot & \texttt{((} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{)(} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{))} \\[4pt] & + & p & \cdot & \texttt{(} q \texttt{)} & \cdot & \texttt{~(} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{)~} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{~~} \\[4pt] & + & \texttt{(} p \texttt{)} & \cdot & q & \cdot & \texttt{~~} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{~(} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{)~} \\[4pt] & + & \texttt{(} p \texttt{)} & \cdot & \texttt{(}q \texttt{)} & \cdot & \texttt{~~} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{~~} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{~~} \end{array}$

Resources

cc: Academia.edu • Cybernetics • Laws of Form • Ma^thstodon (1) (2)
cc: Research Gate • Structural Modeling • Systems Science • Syscoi

Jon Awbrey 1:20 pm on March 4, 2026
Tags: Amphecks ( 23 ), Animata ( 25 ), Boolean Algebra ( 23 ), Boolean Functions ( 24 ), C.S. Peirce ( 43 ), Cactus Graphs ( 24 ), Change ( 22 ), cybernetics ( 35 ), Differential Calculus ( 22 ), Differential Logic ( 24 ), Discrete Dynamics ( 22 ), Equational Inference ( 24 ), Functional Logic ( 23 ), Gradient Descent ( 21 ), Graph Theory ( 26 ), Inquiry Driven Systems ( 27 ), logic ( 45 ), Logical Graphs ( 25 ), Mathematics ( 44 ), Minimal Negation Operators ( 24 ), Propositional Calculus ( 24 ), Time ( 21 ), Visualization ( 30 )

Differential Logic • 16

Propositions and Tacit Extensions

Now that we’ve introduced the field picture as an aid to visualizing propositions and their analytic series, a pleasing way to picture the relationship of a proposition $f : X \to \mathbb{B}$ to its enlargement or shift map $\mathrm{E}f : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$ and its difference map $\mathrm{D}f : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$ can now be drawn.

To illustrate the possibilities, let’s return to the differential analysis of the conjunctive proposition $f(p, q) = pq$ and give its development a slightly different twist at the appropriate point.

The proposition $pq : X \to \mathbb{B}$ is shown again in the venn diagram below. In the field picture it may be seen as a scalar field — analogous to a potential hill in physics but in logic amounting to a potential plateau — where the shaded region indicates an elevation of 1 and the unshaded region indicates an elevation of 0.

$\text{Proposition}~ pq : X \to \mathbb{B}$

Given a proposition $f : X \to \mathbb{B},$ the tacit extension of $f$ to $\mathrm{E}X$ is denoted $\boldsymbol\varepsilon f : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$ and defined by the equation $\boldsymbol\varepsilon f = f,$ so it’s really just the same proposition residing in a bigger universe. Tacit extensions formalize the intuitive idea that a function on a given set of variables can be extended to a function on a superset of those variables in such a way that the new function obeys the same constraints on the old variables, with a “don’t care” condition on the new variables.

The tacit extension of the scalar field $pq : X \to \mathbb{B}$ to the differential field $\boldsymbol\varepsilon (pq) : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$ is shown in the following venn diagram.

$\text{Tacit Extension}~ \boldsymbol\varepsilon (pq) : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$

$\begin{array}{rcccccc} \boldsymbol\varepsilon (pq) & = & p & \cdot & q & \cdot & \texttt{(} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{)} \texttt{(} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{)} \\[4pt] & + & p & \cdot & q & \cdot & \texttt{(} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{)} \texttt{~} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{~} \\[4pt] & + & p & \cdot & q & \cdot & \texttt{~} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{~} \texttt{(} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{)} \\[4pt] & + & p & \cdot & q & \cdot & \texttt{~} \mathrm{d}p \texttt{~} \texttt{~} \mathrm{d}q \texttt{~} \end{array}$

Resources

cc: Academia.edu • Cybernetics • Laws of Form • Ma^thstodon (1) (2)
cc: Research Gate • Structural Modeling • Systems Science • Syscoi

antlerboy - Benjamin P Taylor 10:07 am on March 4, 2026

Designing Freedom in the 21st Century – The Moral Modalities Framework (MMF) – Hilder (2026)

Trevor E Hilder

Feb 26, 2026

Designing Freedom in the 21st Century – 3
The Moral Modalities Framework (MMF)
TREVOR E HILDER
FEB 26, 2026
Designing Freedom in the 21st Century – 3

https://thethirdsystem.substack.com/p/designing-freedom-in-the-21st-century-a2c?r=1yf3i3

antlerboy - Benjamin P Taylor 10:06 am on March 4, 2026

The Third System – Trevor E Hilder on substack – Designing Freedom in the 21st Century (2nd part) – Hilder (2026)

What functions are needed for a system to be viable?

Trevor E Hilder

Feb 17, 2026

The Third System

Designing Freedom in the 21st Century – 2
What functions are needed for a system to be viable?
TREVOR E HILDER
FEB 17, 2026
Designing Freedom in the 21st Century – 2

https://thethirdsystem.substack.com/p/designing-freedom-in-the-21st-century-ddd?r=1yf3i3

antlerboy - Benjamin P Taylor 7:56 am on March 4, 2026

School of Systems Change hiring a Head of Systems Change Practice Partnerships – 08.FTE, £57.5k pro rata, permanent, deadline 22 March 2026, UK

At a glance

We’re excited to bring a new member to our team and network. As Head of Systems Change Practice Partnerships, you will join a team committed to embracing difference and nurturing a systemic, living paradigm, where learning is change.

Salary: £57,500- 61,750 pro rata per annum

Hours: 30 hours per week excluding lunch breaks (0.8 FTE).

Contract: This is a permanent contract. The notice period is three months in writing on either side. There is a probationary period of six months.

Location: London, UK. 22-26 Paul Street, EC2A 4QE, with opportunities for flexible working. Candidates must have a valid right to work in the country.

Benefits: Various opportunities for flexible working, generous time off policies, and other sector-competitive benefits.

hiring a Head of Systems Change Practice Partnerships
At a glance
Job pack
Application process
At a glance
We’re excited to bring a new member to our team and network. As Head of Systems Change Practice Partnerships, you will join a team committed to embracing difference and nurturing a systemic, living paradigm, where learning is change.

Salary: £57,500- 61,750 pro rata per annum

Hours: 30 hours per week excluding lunch breaks (0.8 FTE).

Contract: This is a permanent contract. The notice period is three months in writing on either side. There is a probationary period of six months.

Location: London, UK. 22-26 Paul Street, EC2A 4QE, with opportunities for flexible working. Candidates must have a valid right to work in the country.

Benefits: Various opportunities for flexible working, generous time off policies, and other sector-competitive benefits.
We’re hiring a Head of Systems Change Practice Partnerships! – School of System Change

https://www.schoolofsystemchange.org/hiring-head-of-practice-partnerships

antlerboy - Benjamin P Taylor 7:54 am on March 4, 2026

SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP APPROACH TO HYPERLOCAL DEMOCRACY – Ferrier (2026)

19th February 2026

Andy Ferrier

Chief Executive, Test Valley Borough Council

Solace Deputy Spokesperson for Civil and Community Resilience.

SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP APPROACH TO HYPERLOCAL DEMOCRACY
Systems Leadership Approach to Hyperlocal Democracy | Solace

https://solace.org.uk/news_and_press/systems-leadership-approach-to-hyperlocal-democracy/

antlerboy - Benjamin P Taylor 5:59 pm on March 3, 2026

Constructivist Foundations Volume 20, Number 2, March 2025, Selected papers from the 60th Anniversary Meeting of the American Society for Cybernetics, “Living Cybernetics Playing Language”, edited by Claudia Westermann

Volume 20, Number 2, March 2025
Selected papers from the 60th Anniversary Meeting of the American Society for Cybernetics, “Living Cybernetics Playing Language”, edited by Claudia Westermann

Cover Art: «Cybernetic Neoconstructivism #16» © 2025 Collaboration of the Art, Media, and Cybernetics (AMC) workgroup at the American Association of Cybernetics (ASC) AI-Generative Neoconstructivism

With a Voluntary Annual Subscription you can download the entire issue.

SHARE ON
FacebookTwitterMastodonEmailWhatsAppShare
Editorial
Conversations on Four Cybernetic Approaches to Embracing Uncertainty Free Access

Claudia Westermann

Abstract · Full text in PDF (223 kB)

Target Article – Second-Order Cybernetics
Cybernetics of Language – From Naming to Naming the Self

Louis H. Kauffman

Abstract

Open Peer Commentaries
The Unaccompanied Companion

Christina Weiss

Abstract

On Proper Names, Sense and Self-Reference

Clarence Lewis Protin

Abstract

Klein Bottle Logophysics, Metacognition, and Gödel’s Theorem

Diego Lucio Rapoport

Abstract

Bio-logic of the Name-Named-Namer Relationship

Andrey S. Druzhinin & Diego A. Ramírez

Abstract

Naming, Shifting, and Seeing the Cybernetic Observer

Arthur M. Collings

Abstract

Naming Naming

Mark William Johnson

Abstract

The Sound of Self-Reference

Kate Doyle

Abstract

Author’s Response: The Indicative Shift

Louis H. Kauffman

Abstract

Target Article – Second-Order Cybernetics
Brand Management as Cybernetic Practices Free Access

Seiichiro Honjo

Abstract · Full text in PDF (749 kB)

Open Peer Commentaries
Expanding Brand Management With Cybernetic Insights Free Access

Maia Gould

Abstract · Full text in PDF (486 kB)

A Citizen Perspective on Recent Manifestations of Branding Free Access

Allenna Leonard

Abstract · Full text in PDF (499 kB)

Using the VSM to Improve Exploratory Brand Management Free Access

Alfonso Reyes

Abstract · Full text in PDF (467 kB)

Second-order Branding as Orchestration of Media Ecology Free Access

Peter Hayward Jones

Abstract · Full text in PDF (487 kB)

Harnessing Variety Engineering for Management of Non-Trivial Systems Free Access

Juliana Mariano Alves

Abstract · Full text in PDF (505 kB)

Author’s Response: Toward Implementing Second-Order Brand Management Free Access

Seiichiro Honjo

Abstract · Full text in PDF (535 kB)

Target Article – Second-Order Cybernetics
Review of an Academic Research Project “as Done”

Guillermo Sánchez Sotés, Thomas Fischer & Christiane M. Herr

Abstract

Open Peer Commentaries
The Unknown, the Other – Companions in the Construction of Knowledge

José Cabral Filho

Abstract

On the Context of the Experience and the Context of Communication

Diego Fagundes da Silva & Erica Azevedo da Costa e Mattos

Abstract

Tracing the Messiness

Mark Valentine Sullivan

Abstract

Conversation as an Integral Part of “Research as Done”

Eve C. Pinsker

Abstract

Why Do Designers Overlook Discourse on Uncertainty, Complexity, and Messiness in Research?

Michael Hohl

Abstract

Authors’ Response: On and Beyond the Difference Between Research “as Done” and Research “as Reported”

Guillermo Sánchez Sotés, Thomas Fischer & Christiane M. Herr

Abstract

Target Article – Second-Order Cybernetics
Design of a Contemporary Elementary Non-Trivial Machine Free Access

Thomas Fischer & Hengjie Li

Abstract · Full text in PDF (1150 kB)

Open Peer Commentaries
Prospects for Demonstrating Multiple Versions of the Non-Trivial Machine

Laurence D. Richards

Abstract

The Non-Trivial Machine and Non-Trivial Constructivist Ideas

Hugh Gash

Abstract

Playing With Apparatuses: Cybernetic Learning and the Challenge of Contemporary Black Boxes

Mateus van Stralen

Abstract

The Ashby Box as Situated Object within Context

Vivian Xu & Benjamin Bacon

Abstract

Fostering Critical Inquiry through the Non-Trivial Machine: On Fischer and Li’s Reinterpretation of the Ashby Box

Anja Pratschke

Abstract

Is There a Future for Research in Cybernetics?

Tom Scholte

Abstract

Author’s Response: The Continuing Relevance of the Ashby Box and Its Successors

Thomas Fischer

Abstract
Constructivist Foundations 20(2)

https://constructivist.info/20/2

Jon Awbrey 2:54 pm on March 2, 2026
Tags: Amphecks ( 23 ), Animata ( 25 ), Boolean Algebra ( 23 ), Boolean Functions ( 24 ), C.S. Peirce ( 43 ), Cactus Graphs ( 24 ), Change ( 22 ), cybernetics ( 35 ), Differential Calculus ( 22 ), Differential Logic ( 24 ), Discrete Dynamics ( 22 ), Equational Inference ( 24 ), Functional Logic ( 23 ), Gradient Descent ( 21 ), Graph Theory ( 26 ), Inquiry Driven Systems ( 27 ), logic ( 45 ), Logical Graphs ( 25 ), Mathematics ( 44 ), Minimal Negation Operators ( 24 ), Propositional Calculus ( 24 ), Time ( 21 ), Visualization ( 30 )

Differential Logic • 15

Differential Fields

The structure of a differential field may be described as follows. With each point of $X$ there is associated an object of the following type: a proposition about changes in $X,$ that is, a proposition $g : \mathrm{d}X \to \mathbb{B}.$ In that frame of reference, if ${X^\bullet}$ is the universe generated by the set of coordinate propositions $\{ p, q \}$ then $\mathrm{d}X^\bullet$ is the differential universe generated by the set of differential propositions $\{ \mathrm{d}p, \mathrm{d}q \}.$ The differential propositions $\mathrm{d}p$ and $\mathrm{d}q$ may thus be interpreted as indicating $``\text{change in}~ p"$ and $``\text{change in}~ q",$ respectively.

A differential operator $\mathrm{W},$ of the first order type we are currently considering, takes a proposition $f : X \to \mathbb{B}$ and gives back a differential proposition $\mathrm{W}f : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}.$ In the field view of the scene, we see the proposition $f : X \to \mathbb{B}$ as a scalar field and we see the differential proposition $\mathrm{W}f : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$ as a vector field, specifically, a field of propositions about contemplated changes in $X.$

The field of changes produced by $\mathrm{E}$ on $pq$ is shown in the following venn diagram.

$\text{Enlargement}~ \mathrm{E}(pq) : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$

The differential field $\mathrm{E}(pq)$ specifies the changes which need to be made from each point of $X$ in order to reach one of the models of the proposition $pq,$ that is, in order to satisfy the proposition $pq.$

The field of changes produced by $\mathrm{D}$ on $pq$ is shown in the following venn diagram.

$\text{Difference}~ \mathrm{D}(pq) : \mathrm{E}X \to \mathbb{B}$

The differential field $\mathrm{D}(pq)$ specifies the changes which need to be made from each point of $X$ in order to feel a change in the felt value of the field $pq.$

Resources

cc: Academia.edu • Cybernetics • Laws of Form • Ma^thstodon (1) (2)
cc: Research Gate • Structural Modeling • Systems Science • Syscoi

antlerboy - Benjamin P Taylor 5:23 am on March 2, 2026

SCiO monthly events newsletter – March and April 2026

See website for updates https://www.systemspractice.org/events.

Please note that you are welcome to attend any event (allowing for restrictions on members-only events) so long as you speak and understand the language.

COURSES

One new course has been added this month in the Influencing Stakeholders range of intervention skills: Communicating your Systems Interventions by Steve Whitla. This is an extended version of 2h 24m plus exercises and is available for £100.

Please remember that All thirty-one courses now on the SCiO LMS are discounted 10% to members – use the discount code MEMBER10 when booking. The courses currently available are here.

Multi-course discounts: There is a discount of 20% for any four or more courses and 25% for considerably more. The full set of courses (including future additions) can be had with a 30% discount and this includes access to coaching.

Organisational Development Programmes: If your organisation is interested to use any or all of the courses, substantial discounts of around 50% are available and bespoke programmes can be prepared.

2026 CONFERENCE

We hope to see you at the 2026 Conference: Systems Thinking Systems Practice, taking place at Hull University from 24–26 March 2026.

This three-day conference is bringing together practitioners, leaders, academics and system thinkers from across sectors to explore how systems thinking is being applied in practice to address today’s complex organisational, social and policy challenges. The programme will combine thought-provoking keynotes, practical case studies, and opportunities for dialogue, reflection and connection with others working systemically in real-world contexts.

The conference is organised by Hull University’s Centre for Systems Studies in partnership with SCiO, the OR Society and the IFSR, and will be of particular interest to those working in leadership, public services, healthcare, local government, voluntary and community sectors, and organisational development.

Booking: Places are available – book here.

The FULL PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME is now available here. The details of the sessions can be seen by clicking on the tiny tabs at the bottom. Alternatively access these through the Conference menu on our website.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EVENTS – by country (click on the name)

SCiO Belgium		SCiO DACH
SCiO Finland		SCiO Ireland
SCiO Nederland		SCiO Polska
SCiO UK

______________________________________________________________

SCiO UK

2026 Conference: Systems Thinking and Systems Practice – Hull

Tue, Mar 24th, 2026 – Thu, Mar 26th, 2026 11:30 – 14:30 GMT

For the first time ever, leading institutions representing a broad range of systems thinking methods and approaches are coming together for a landmark conference on Systems Thinking and Systems Practice.

This conference has been shaped with input from a wide-ranging committee, including members of the UK government’s Systems Thinking Interest Group (STIG) and the International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR). It’s a unique chance to connect with others across the field, share different perspectives, and explore the future of systems practice…..

All welcome; £100 – £250; Hull University Business School, Hull HU6 7RX; English BOOK NOW

SCiO UK Virtual Development Event – April 2026

Tue, Apr 14th, 2026 13:00 – 15:00 GMT

SCiO’s Development Event offer an opportunity to draw upon the collective expertise of SCiO members in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. By taking Development Events online, using the Zoom meeting platform, we aim to make them accessible to more SCiO members. Development Events are both for members who are just starting out on a journey to explore Systems Thinking approaches, and for those who have many years of exploration and practice. This is a bring your issues of interest Development Event.

Members only; FREE; Online event; English BOOK NOW

______________________________________________________________

SCiO Belgium

Saartje Boutsen & Charlotte Vandierendonck – Van keten tot kring: samenwerken aan gedeelde verantwoo…

Tue, Mar 10th, 2026 19:00 – 21:00 CET

In een tijd waarin bedrijven steeds vaker worden aangesproken op hun sociale en ecologische impact, dringt één vraag zich steeds sterker op: Hoe maak je negatieve impact in je productieketen zichtbaar — en hoe neem je daar samen verantwoordelijkheid voor op?

Veel organisaties botsen op dezelfde uitdaging: elke speler vertrekt vanuit zijn eigen noden, rol en beperkingen. Hoe kan je dan tóch systemisch denken en handelen in een complexe ketenomgeving?

Tijdens deze sessie delen Saartje Boutsen en Charlotte Vandierendonck, co-oprichters van Studio D, hun pragmatische aanpak om ketenverantwoordelijkheid werkbaar en gedragen te maken. Vanuit hun ervaring met bedrijven en organisaties reiken ze inzichten, tips en concrete handvaten aan om het gesprek en de samenwerking in de keten op gang te brengen en duurzaam te verankeren….

Members only + guests; 10 euro; Kon. Astridlaan 144, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium; Dutch BOOK NOW

______________________________________________________________

SCiO DACH (Deutschland, Österreich, Schweiz)

Entwicklung von Komplexität sowie Arbeits- und Prozessleistung im projektbasierten Maschinenbau

Thu, Apr 23rd, 2026 19:00 – 20:30 CET+1

Zwischenergebnisse einer laufenden Dissertation zur Messbarkeit organisationaler Komplexität im industriellen Umfeld. Im Fokus: Wie nehmen operative Führungskräfte steigende Komplexität wahr – und inwieweit lässt sich diese Wahrnehmung datenbasiert im Unternehmen abbilden? Ein praxisnaher Einblick in erste Befunde, methodisches Vorgehen und weiterführende Forschungsfragen.

Entwicklung von Komplexität sowie Arbeits- und Prozessleistung im projektbasierten Maschinenbau – Carola Ritzinger-Roll

Members only + guests; kostenlos; Online event; German BOOK NOW

______________________________________________________________

SCiO Finland

Understanding and Achieving Systemic Governance: Lessons from Finland

Thu, Mar 26th, 2026 10:30 – 11:45 EET

We are at a critical juncture where traditional, hierarchical governance systems often struggle to navigate the complexities of the climate emergency and mounting social inequalities. You are cordially invited to a special webinar launch event hosted by SCiO Finland to explore the findings of a recent systemic co-inquiry: “Understanding and Achieving Systemic Governance: Lessons from Finland”. Finland is internationally recognised for its innovative “humble governance” and trust-based autonomy, yet these systemic approaches face significant challenges in becoming “sticky” within traditional bureaucratic structures. We will dive into…..

Understanding and Achieving Systemic Governance: Lessons from Finland – Ray Ison – Tim Logan

All welcome; Free; Online event; English BOOK NOW

Suorituskyvyn rajat – kun ”paras” ei enää riitä

Wed, Apr 1st, 2026 16:00 – 17:30 EEST

Organisaatiot ovat yhä suorituskykyisempiä. Ne optimoivat prosesseja, asettavat tavoitteita, seuraavat mittareita ja palkitsevat onnistumista. Nämä vahvuudet eivät kuitenkaan välttämättä takaa kestävää menestystä tai organisaation elinkelpoisuutta pitkällä aikavälillä. Esityksessä tarkastellaan suorituskykyä organisoivana logiikkana sekä sen rakenteellisia rajoja. Keskustelemme siitä, miten tavoitteilla johtaminen ja suorituskyvyn optimointi menettävät tehoaan ympäristöissä, joissa epälineaarisuus lisääntyy ja arviointikriteerit muuttuvat epävakaiksi, sekä siitä, kuinka nämä rajat usein tulkitaan toimeenpanon ongelmiksi sen sijaan, että kyseenalaistettaisiin taustalla olevia perusoletuksia. Esityksessä tehdään erottelu suorituskykylogiikan ja adaptiivisen logiikan välillä. Tarkoitus ei ole hylätä suorituskykyä, vaan paikantaa sen rajat – ja avata tilaa toisenlaiselle organisoinnin logiikalle.

Suorituskyvyn rajat – kun ”paras” ei enää riitä – Janne J. Korhonen

All welcome; Free; Online event; Finnish BOOK NOW

______________________________________________________________

SCiO Ireland

Details of the 2026 programme not added yet.

______________________________________________________________

SCiO Nederland

SCIO-NL monthly meeting March 2025 (live in Woerden and in Dutch)

Fri, Mar 6th, 2026 12:30 – 16:00 CET

SCIO-NL komt elke 1e of 2e vrijdag van de maand live bijeen, meestal in Woerden (Pelmolenlaan 2). Er staan (meestal) geen vaste onderwerpen op de agenda (daarvoor organiseren we specifieke andere meetings), maar de ervaring leert dat er altijd wel een interessant gesprek op gang komt over een systemisch onderwerp. Toegankelijk voor iedereen die de jaarlijkse fee voor de live-bijeenkomsten (€50,-) hiervoor betaald. En voor KNVI-leden. En voor gasten. Neem contact op via ed@doitogether.nl als je interesse hebt, maar nog geen lid van de club bent.

NL Members + guests; FREE; Pelmolenlaan 2, Woerden (At the Office) 5, Woerden, Netherlands; Dutch BOOK NOW

SCIO-NL monthly meeting April 2025 (live in Woerden and in Dutch)

Fri, Apr 3rd, 2026 12:30 – 16:00 CET

NL Members + guests; FREE; Pelmolenlaan 2, Woerden (At the Office) 5, Woerden, Netherlands; Dutch BOOK NOW

______________________________________________________________

SCiO Polska

“Jakościowa Teoria Informacji – Marian Mazur”

Thu, Mar 19th, 2026 18:00 – 19:30 CET

W ramach omówienia Jakościowej Teorii Informacji Mariana Mazura przyjrzymy się:

problemom na które natrafił Mazur przy poszukiwaniu definicji informacji,
co zdefiniował jako komunikat, oryginał, obraz, kod, łańcuch kodowy i informację,
przypadkom teoretycznym kiedy łańcuchy kodowe są nieoddzielnie lub niezupełne
praktycznym konsekwencjom i praktycznemu wykorzystaniu JTI.

All welcome; FREE; Online event; Polish BOOK NOW