MIT Systems Awareness Lab Research Design (virtual) Seminar Series – 23-25 January 2024

Research Design Seminar Series

We invite you to join us in a new virtual seminar series to collaboratively explore diverse research approaches and methodologies in our study of compassionate systems and systems awareness more broadly. The aim of this series from the MIT Systems Awareness Lab is to inspire communities of practitioners and researchers to work together in considering the role of research in their own systems change work. 

From this series of research design seminars, we will iterate on research designs that our community can then build upon, refine, implement, and learn from with our partners. 

For More Information, contact systemsawareness@mit.edu

antlerboyben@gmail.com Switch accounts

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Upcoming Sessions

Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 10:00 – 11:30 am EST “Systems Awareness Methodologies”

An exploration of how we understand and map the nested layers of the education ecosystem with Dr. Mette Miriam Boell along with Dr. Lukas Herrmann, and Dr. Lana Cook of the MIT Systems Awareness Lab.

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Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 10:00 – 11:30 am EST

“Simulations and Game-based Learning for Youth Engagement”

A design session with Dr. Eric Klopfer, Dan Roy (MIT Scheller Teacher Education Program, Education Arcade) with Gustav Boell and Youth Ambassadors (Center for Systems Awareness)

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Thursday, January 25, 2024, 9:00 – 10:30 am EST

“Systems Intelligence of Children”

A conversation with Dr. Jean Clinton (McMaster University), Dr. Peter Senge (MIT), Jacob Martin (Dulwich College Singapore), and Charlotte Ruddy (Dulwich College Singapore)

Research Design Seminar Series

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiDvCBSe-Toz9OhiKw6EkUpX1cUXxoWmBwVYGvhCSpIzCsbg/viewform

Working in complexity inside and out – paid course with Chris Corrigan and Caitlin Frost, April 11 – June 20, 2024

Interactive Online Program 2024

April 11th – June 20th for North America & Europe

8 engaging online learning and practice sessions
3 small group discussion sessions and 2 partner exercise practice sessions
Participatory Narrative Inquiry
Online classroom with recordings, resources, discussion space and more.

For more information please contact Caitlin Frost caitin.frost@gmail.com
Check out your time zone compatibility here: https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

SIGN UP FOR EVENT UPDATES NEWSLETTER

We hope to offer dates for Australasia in the future.
Please join our waitlist if you are interested HERE.

https://www.harvestmoonconsultants.com/complexity-inside-out.html

working in complexity – Harvest Moon Consultants

Systemic Design Association update January 2, 2024 – online sessions with SD12 keynote talks by Shermon Cruz and Peter Jones.

Systemic Design Association | January 2, 2024
Cruz & Jones: Back in the saddle
Technical difficulties meant that we missed recording RSD12 keynote talks by Shermon Cruz and Peter Jones. Futures to the rescue! The JFS Futures Community is hosting these two RSD12 talks.
January 10: Shermon Cruz, Dreams & Disruptions (register now)February: Peter Jones, Ecologising the Future (TBA)
The JFS Futures Community,* founded by Anisah Abdullah and Lavonne Leong, is a space for practitioners, educators, and the future-curious to connect, share, and develop teaching and learning materials. Meetings are held every month on Zoom. *The Journal of Futures Studies is a globally oriented, transdisciplinary referred journal. Its mission is to develop high-quality, futures-oriented research and thinking based on the evolving knowledge base of futures studies.
Shermon Cruz shares his experience as an inventor and co-designer with Radical Futures Unleashed: Igniting your imagination with Dreams and DisruptionsREGISTERPeter Jones presents Summer: Ecologizing the Future situated within the extraordinary future potentials for Mexico in this dynamic centuryGET NOTIFIED
Studios: Mapping Mondays
Mondays, beginning February 26, 2024. The response to the RSD12 (2023) call for maps and exhibits exceeded our capacity to programme sessions during the symposium, and contributors agreed to present maps in this series of studios presenting about four maps each. The series will consists of at least ten gatherings. Details on presenters and exhibits will be posted here for each studio as commitments are firmed up.
If you are a master mapper or mapping-curious, these talks are an opportunity to discuss maps and related exhibits with the researchers.
REGISTER
Stuck? Diagrams helpVIDEO NOW AVAILABLE
RSD12-Washington keynote Abby Covert
Like digital tow trucks, diagrams have been helping people feeling stuck for thousands of years. But why? Because diagrams give us superpowers. The ability to render our ideas visually helps us move through some pretty gnarly human situations. In this keynote Abby Covert, an author and information architect, takes us on a tour of five of the superpowers that make diagrams the helpful superhero of many sensemaking stories. 
Abby Covert is an information architect, writer and community organizer with two decades of experience helping people make sense of messes. Abby has written two popular books, How to Make Sense of Any Mess and Stuck? Diagrams Help. She currently spends her time making things that help you to make the unclear clear, many of which she makes available for free on her website, www.abbycovert.com or at accessible price points in her popular Etsy shop, AbbytheIA. In 2022, she started The Sensemakers Club where she brings together sensemakers from different walks of life to learn from one another. Abby currently lives and writes from Melbourne, Florida, where her most important job title is “Mom.”
prepared by Cheryl May | cheryl@systemic-design.org | inspired by cowboy futurism
whoa rsd12 | systemic design talks and studios

ANU School of Cybernetics newsletter – 2023: the year in review

As we approach the third anniversary of the School of Cybernetics, we reflect on the incredible milestones achieved during 2023. We’re thrilled to share our journey in this celebratory overview.JanuaryHappy new year and welcome to 2023!We commenced 2023 on a high note after our School’s remarkable official launch in 2022. The new year promises numerous opportunities for our students, partners and industry professionals as we continue to create, experiment and collaborate on safe, sustainable and responsible approaches to new technological systems.FebruaryWe welcomed our fifth cohort of Master students.Our 16 students come from diverse and impressive backgrounds. As mid-career professionals, they bring a wealth of experience from various fields including teaching, army logistics, non-profits, big tech, festival direction, data analysis, Indigenous affairs, cybersecurity and business management.We co-hosted an interactive breakfast discussion along with the Paul Ramsay Foundation on the role of collective intelligence and cybernetics in changing how we think about social policy. Read >>MarchWe launched our first public-facing micro-learning full-day course.This course took a deep dive into new ways to talk productively about AI, without being beholden to existing technological narratives. It helped participants to acquire skills to think in system and gain a deep understanding of how AI fits into not just our current social order but future iterations.Maia Gould, Cybernetic Engagements Lead, Hannah Simpson, Educational Developer, and Jackie Randles, Partnerships Lead, hosted a networking lunch and workshop in Melbourne as part of the Data Informed Design (DID) Conference. Read >>AprilWe launched Cybernetic Imagination Residency program.“The Cybernetic Imagination Residency Program is a collaboration to create stories about the future that are hopeful,” Associate Professor and Cybernetic Futures Lead Andrew Meares said.On April 28, we hosted five residents who form the first two cohorts of Cybernetic Imagination Residents and officially launched the program. Read >>In light of the federal government’s announcement for long-term Trove funding, the School produced a series of vignettes, ‘AI and libraries’, which explores the role of libraries as a trusted curator, custodian of knowledge and a midwife of new ideas.The School contributed to the Australian Universities Accord Discussion Paper reviewing Australia’s ambitions, aspirations and potential in the higher education sector.The Cybernetic Imagination Residents. (L-R) Lynette Wallworth, Caroline Pegram, Angie Abdilla, Kate Crawford and Mark Thomson. Photo: Lauren SuttonMayThe School was featured on The Australian.The article authored by The Australian’s higher education editor Tim Dodd covered the School’s official launch, the exhibition ‘Australian Cybernetic: a point through time’ and the School’s mission into the future. Read >>Some other coverages of the School and school members this year:In a conversation with Brunswick’s Alice Gibb, Genevieve Bell discusses the field of cybernetics and its relevance to the 21st century. She highlights the need to embrace diverse perspectives in problem-solving and the importance of making an optimistic future through active participation. Read »During the interview with Brad Howarth for The Mandarin’s special report on AI in the public sector, Matthew Holt highlights the importance of comprehending AI in its entirety and seeing generative AI as part of the computing revolution. Read »In an interview by APAC Network, Professor Katherine Daniell explains how Cybernetics principles can help current and emerging leaders to shape our fast, smart and interconnected world. Watch here.Our School Director Genevieve Bell delivered the esteemed Ann Moyal Lecture 2023 at the National Library of Australia. She shared a new set of stories about the Overland Telegraph Line with the audience, stories that examine it as a complex cybernetic system, and the questions we must ask of any large system and its unintended consequences, regulations, impact, power, control and inequity.JuneWe launched a series of learning experiences.We launched an array of full-day non-award learning experiences to prepare organisations, workplaces and individuals for the increasingly fast-paced technological world.Student Demo Day Semester one was on, and that meant 2023 cohort was halfway through their Master program study. 16 individual projects were displayed on the day.JulyLucie in the Sky unveiled at Uncharted Territory Festival.Lucie in the Sky, a world-first dance performance blending artistry with drone technology, was unveiled at the Uncharted Territory Festival, a result of a multi-year research collaboration between the Australasian Dance Collective (ADC) and Professor Alex Zafiroglu from the School.We responded to the inquiry into the use of generative AI in the Australian Education system and to the ‘Safe and responsible AI in Australia’ Discussion Paper, Department of Industry, Science & Resources.Cybernetic Snacks made its return this year! We talked to more leading voices in the field of Cybernetics. We also celebrated the graduation of our 2022 Master students!2022 graduates. (L-R), Graeme Wallace, David Auricht, Ross Tieman, Distinguished Professor Genevieve Bell, Lawrence Du, Daniela Fernandez, Evan Skinner, Michelle Jasper, Amy Wardrop. Photo: Sherice Kazzi.AugustWe benefited from a series of enlightening talks.August was packed with learning and sharing. We welcomed Professor Gerald Midgley from the University of Hull to deliver a series of talks regarding his work in systems analysis and systems thinking. Read here.Professor Bill Reckmeyer delivered a captivating talk on the “Cybernetics Systems Program at San José State University: 1962-1992 – 30 Years of Innovation Education”.Staff are doing remarkable things in the world! Here are some of them:Louisa Shen, a researcher at the School, joined other ANU scholars for a fantastic film screening and discussion of Blade Runner on 18 August at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.Associate Professor Matthew Holt and Dr Safiya Okai-Ugbaje joined Tracey Spicer for a panel discussion on the basics and impacts of AI and delivered a workshop – Let’s demystify Artificial Intelligence – at the ALP fringe conference in Brisbane.Dr Safiya Okai-Ugbaje was speaking at the “See It to Be It” conference – a platform for empowerment and a celebration of diversity and inclusion in the tech world.And some of the featured pieces contributed by school members:Alex Zafiroglu – Long-term government funding for Trove at the National Library of Australia a win for all.Chris Mesiku – Enhancing Human Flourishing: The Synergy between Data and a Systems Approach.Alex Fischer – How should a robot explore the Moon? A simple question shows the limits of current AI systems.Julian Vido – No idea what it’s talking about.SeptemberGenevieve Bell announced new VC and Top 100 Innovator.Wow! This was a month with big news. Our director was announced to be the next Vice-Chancellor and President of the ANU. In addition to this celebratory news, Genevieve was also recognised on The Australian Top 100 Innovators List, which celebrates and highlights future-focused leaders and companies helping to put Australia on the map as an innovative nation.First AI and leadership learning experiences were delivered in Canberra, garnering positive feedback.OctoberMetaverse report launched at SXSW Sydney.This groundbreaking report delves into the fascinating realm of the metaverse. It dissects the metaverse’s roots and its journey to the present day and offers a cybernetic perspective on the metaverse’s potential and the pathways to shape its development. Read the reportAnother impactful research report published this month was “Designing for change”.We got exciting news within the alumni community – Mikaela Jade (2020 Master cohort) was announced 2023 Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) new fellow, along with our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Schmidt.The School has been shortlisted for the Developing Emerging Skills and Competencies Award by QS Reimagine Education through our New practitioners to shape safe, sustainable and responsible futures submission.NovemberLearning experiences on tour!We continued to deliver our learning experiences, and this time we’re taking it to Sydney and Melbourne!Master students showcased their group cyber-physical projects during the semester-two Demo Day, and this marked a wrap-up in their learning journey.We welcomed our alumni back for the inaugural Alumni Professional Development Day – a jam-packed two days of networking, learning, sharing and collaborating.Find out some of our alumni’s achievements:Jacob Sheung-Kay Choi (Master of Cybernetics, 2020 cohort) was awarded as one of Australia’s Top 40 Under 40 most influential Asian-Australians in the country! He was awarded Winner of the Asian-Australian Leadership Awards, Public Sector & Government.Glen Berman (2019 Master cohort, current PhD candidate at ANU School of Engineering) published a new paper in Big Data & Society, a preeminent journal for interdisciplinary social science research. The paper, titled Investigating hybridity in artificial intelligence research was co-authored by Glen and Dr Kate Williams at University of Melbourne and Sandra Michalska.Erika Ly (2021 Master cohort), Policy Manager at the Tech Council Australia, was interviewed by the National AI Centre about her thoughts on the future of AI. Watch here.Jake Blight (2021 cohort, and current PhD candidate at the School of Cybernetics) was appointed as the next Independent National Security Legislation Monitor. Read more.Evan Skinner (2022 cohort and PhD candidate at the School of Cybernetics) co-presented Hopeful Futures via Cybernetics and Generative AI at SXSW Sydney.Student projects on Demo Day.DecemberQS Reimagine Education Award Bronze WinnerWe are the Bronze Winner for the Developing Emerging Skills and Competencies Award by QS Reimagine Education! The QS Reimagine Education Awards celebrate and reward the world’s most successful educational innovations enhancing student learning outcomes and employability. Read more.

We are going on holiday from 18 December to rest, rejuvenate and gear up for our return on 10 January 2024. We look forward to the adventures and future possibilities together in 2024!

Top ten most read posts on the Systems Community of Inquiry in 2023 (rather surprising!)

I thought this would be an interesting exercise – having done similar on my own blog.

Top ten:

  1. Tables of Soyga: the first cellular automaton? Anders Sandberg – an oddly popular post, blogged here in 2019 from a 2014 post
  2. Marshall McLuhan – extensions and amputations – inspired by Aidan Ward and Philip Hellyer – super interesting stuff! (From 2019)
  3. Our Theory of Change « The Berkana Institute – the two loops model: useful and mythopoetic stuff
  4. Conscious Purpose versus Nature – Gregory Bateson – which I described back in 2018 as ‘very big and important’ – accurately, I think!
  5. Is there an actual source for the Kurt Lewin quote “You cannot understand a system until you try to change it”? – a post which pretty much fulfils Betteridge’s Law of Headlines
  6. Marshall MacLuhan’s Tetrad of media effects – second impactful visitation of MacLuhan, undoubtedly a systems | cybernetics | complexity thinker, but not in the usual canon!
  7. Biocentrism – Robert Lanza – biology as the central driving science in the universe. I’m sure I thought twice whether to weblog this one or not (in 2018)
  8. A schema for better understanding systems leadership and systems change – it me
  9. Hospicing The Old – TheFarewellFund – Cassie Robinson – the two loops model again
  10. Gregory Bateson and the Counter-Culture – Bateson again but a pretty weird take, and including an image the original bloggers had stolen from someone who stole it from Howard Silverman, so – much as I find the connections from both cybernetics and organisational development to ‘the dark side’ of cults, MK Ultra etc fascinating (and parallel to some of the military origins of some systems approaches, and then use in e.g. RAND Corp and Vietnam war ‘planning’), not a piece I would actually recommend for anyone serious – check the comments on the original blog.

I’m fascinated and intrigued, and assume that a lot of this is just accidental googlewhacks etc – there’s a clear exponetial curve with the top four running at 1,210, 1,029, 636 and 444 respectively, and the tenth at 277 visits – then another 30ish posts before the hit count drops to under 100. And I know a number of people read these posts by email.

SCiO monthly events newsletter – January & February 2024

This is the end-December 2023 monthly events mailing from SCiO.  Click on the flags or group titles below to go to the events that interest you. Please remember that you can attend online events organised by any of the SCiO groups if they are held in a language you speak/understand (and you are a member if it is a member-only meeting). Further details of events may be available by clicking on the event titles below and you can also book each event directly from the Book now text.

Note that some groups post events quite late, so it is always worth checking the website – also for changes to dates and times. Please click here to see all the events in a browser.

  SCiO Belgium   SCiO DACH
   SCiO Espana  SCiO Finland
  SCiO India  SCiO Ireland
  SCiO Nederland  SCiO UK

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Career Opportunity in the UK:    Lecturer in Systems Thinking in Practice at the OU   (Ref.21377)

The Open University are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic academic who will be able to contribute to the development and delivery of their postgraduate systems thinking in practice (STiP) distance learning provision and help lead their Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship (STPA).

Unit :  Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM);  Salary :  £45,585 to £54,395; Location :  Milton Keynes; Two Years Fixed Term with possibility of extension, Full Time; Closing Date :  11 January, 2024 – 12:00

Click here for more details.  

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Individual modules of professional development courses from the apprenticeship can be booked by anyone at commercial rates – see details here .

Happy New year for 2024!

Steve Hales

SCiO – Systems & Complexity in Organisation

Systems and Complexity in Organisation Ltd is a company registered in England with Company Number: 3499590 Registered address: Unit 14 Tower Street, Century Building, Brunswick Business Park, Liverpool  L3 4BJ  UK

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  SCiO UK

SCiO UK Virtual Open Meeting – January 2024

Mon 22 January 2024 18:30–21:00 GMT

Virtual Open Meeting: A series of presentations of general interest to Systems and Complexity in Organisation’s members. SCiO organises Open Meetings to provide opportunities for practitioners to learn and develop new practice, to build relationships, networks hear about skills, tools, practice and experiences. The agenda comprises a brief introduction and two speaker sessions followed by our usual ‘later in the bar’ open chat for around 30-mins after speaker sessions. 

Running a systemic intervention in Government – a new practitioners perspective – Alison Guthrie-Wrenn

Cave Drawings and Campfire Conversations: Relocalizing Creativity in your Neighbourhood – Kerry Turner

All welcome,  FREE; Online event; English  Book now

SCiO UK Virtual Development Event – February 2024

Tue 20 February 2024 18:30–20:30 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.

Members only; FREE; Online event; English  Book now

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  SCiO Nederland

SCIO-NL monthly meeting (live in Vianen and in Dutch)

Fri 12 January 2024 11:30–15:00 CET

SCIO-NL komt elke 2e vrijdag van de maand live bijeen in Vianen (Hagenweg 3c). Er staan 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 gasten. Neem contact op via ed@doitogether.nl als je interesse hebt, maar nog geen lid van de club bent.

Hagenweg 3c, Vianen, Netherlands; Restricted; FREE; Dutch Book now

SCIO-NL monthly meeting (live in Vianen and in Dutch)

Fri 9 February 2024 11:30–15:00 CET

SCIO-NL komt elke 2e vrijdag van de maand live bijeen in Vianen (Hagenweg 3c). Er staan 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 gasten. Neem contact op via ed@doitogether.nl als je interesse hebt, maar nog geen lid van de club bent.

Hagenweg 3c, Vianen, Netherlands; Restricted; FREE; Dutch Book now

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  SCiO Belgium

Open lezing Miguel Pantalon: Toolkit: The power of Meta Causal Loop Diagrams, applied to the circular economy.

Tue 9 January 2024 18:00–20:00 CET

The systemic toolkit is comprehensive. A causal loop diagram occupies a special place among them. Indeed, it helps to name the specific dynamics in contexts by exploring the dynamic properties associated with our concepts and critically questioning the positive and negative feedback mechanisms. In spring 2023, a working group led by Miguel Pantalon set about applying causal loop diagramming to the broad domain of circular economy, and more specifically the food system. This led to surprising insights that had hitherto remained beyond the scope of policymakers. But at the same time, it was an … Read more

All welcome; FREE; Online event; Dutch & English Book now

Open lezing Pieter Buteneers: Hoe systemisch denkt Chat GTP?

Tue 12 March 2024 18:00–20:00 CET

In deze sessie willen we het debat openen rond “hoe systemisch ‘denkt’ ChatGPT?”. Dat ChatGPT de wereld zal veranderen is duidelijk. Wat nog niet duidelijk is, is hoe groot deze impact zal zijn. Als topexpert in chatbots zal Pieter inzichten verschaffen in wat de impact werkelijk is, maar ook in hoe ChatGPT leert en evolueert. We zullen inzoomen op hoe dit organisaties en werk zal transformeren of veranderen. Daarbij staan een aantal vragen centraal. Kan ChatGPT met een overvloed aan info waar het accent niet systemisch van natuur is, toch systemische rijkheid brengen? Wat betekent dit nu echt? Wat zijn daarbij de begrenzingen? Hoe kan dit verder evolueren, voorbij de beperkingen?

All welcome; FREE; Online event; Dutch Book now

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   SCiO DACH (Deutschland, Österreich, Schweiz)

No meetings currently planned in January/February. Please check Events on the website.

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  SCiO Espana

No meetings currently planned in December/January. Please check Events on the website.

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  SCiO Finland

Systeemistä vaikuttavuutta organisaatioiden muutokseen ja kehittämiseen

Tue 30 January 2024 16:00–17:30 EET

Törmäätkö usein haasteisiin organisaation kehittämisessä? Muuttuuko ympäristö nopeammin kuin suunnitelmasi? Ajautuvatko eri kehittämistoimet törmäyskurssille? Mistä lähteä liikkeelle laajempaan muutokseen? Puuttuuko muutokselta riittävä yhteinen näkemys? Systeemiajattelu ja systeemimenetelmät ovat enenevässä määrin organisaatioiden lukutaitoa. Ne tarjoavat organisaatioiden kehittämiseen kokonaisvaltaisen näkökulman ja auttavat muovaamaan vuorovaikutussuhteita osa-alueiden välillä. Olemme perustamassa Suomeen laaja-alaista organisaatioissa sovellettavan systee… Read more & in English

All welcome; FREE; Online event; English & Finnish Book now

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   SCiO Ireland

Please contact SCiO Ireland for details and check Events on the website.

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  SCiO India

No meetings currently planned in December/January. Please check Events on the website.

Cybernetic Theory: Information Physics, Quantum Cosmology, Simulation Metaphysics – Vikoulov (2023)

Alex Vikoulov

Futurist | Evolutionary Cyberneticist | Philosopher of Mind | Author | Filmmaker

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Alex Vikoulov: Cybernetic Theory: Information Physics, Quantum Cosmology, Simulation Metaphysics

https://www.alexvikoulov.com/2023/10/cybernetic-theory-information-physics-quantum-cosmology-simulation-metaphysics.html?fbclid=IwAR3K9gJylFDp8FocqHvJdgMRaxpy54mfSmVzDIeC-NoetcT9wAcg45zSbqU

Call for papers – International Journal on Cybernetics & Informatics ( IJCI)

ISSN : 2277 – 548X (Online) ; 2320 – 8430 (Print)

Webpage URL: http://airccse.org/journal/ijci/index.html

CONTACT US:

Here’s where you can reach us: ijcijournal@airccse.org or ijcijournal@aircconline.com

SUBMISSION SYSTEM:

https://airccse.com/submissioncs/home.html

International Journal on Cybernetics & Informatics ( IJCI) i

International Journal on Cybernetics & Informatics ( IJCI)

https://airccse.org/journal/ijci/index.html?fbclid=IwAR28ZzVAIeaJey2ZLsRbZKds5SYRaue6SqjNg8eV6WRZDF9tsDpL7Dx1m2E

Using Rhyme to Encourage Early Systems Thinking? Yes, You Can! – Linda Booth Sweeney (and her new children’s book)

Last weekend, I launched my new children’s book, APART, TOGETHER  at the Silver Unicorn bookstore.  (Thank you Casey Robinson, and the enthusiastic staff at this small but mighty bookshop in Acton, Massachusetts. You made this earnest but relatively unknown children’s book author, feel like royalty!)

Using Rhyme to Encourage Early Systems Thinking? Yes, You Can! – Linda Booth Sweeney

The Unreasonable Sufficiency of Protocols – Rao et al (2023)

DRAFT Version 0.99, March 6th, 2023

Venkatesh Rao, Tim Beiko, Danny Ryan, Josh Stark, Trent Van Epps, Bastian Aue

Thanks to Hasu, Micah Zoltu, Matt Garnett, Vitalik Buterin, Ben Edgington, Alex Stokes, and Josh Davis for helpful discussions.

https://venkatesh-rao.gitbook.io/summer-of-protocols

Realist complexity, between causal and complex systems: introduction to the 2022 conference special issue

Karim Knio & Margaux Schulz
Published online: 13 Dec 2023

https://doi.org/10.1080/14767430.2024.2278936

This Special Issue of Journal of Critical Realism (JCR) is dedicated to the 2022 International Association for Critical Realism (IACR) Conference, which was hosted by the International Institute of Social Sciences (ISS) in the Hague (Netherlands), part of the Erasmus University of Rotterdam. Its theme was ‘Realist Complexity, between Causal and Complex Systems’, although it also engaged with other pertinent subjects within critical realism research, including ecology, social work, health, ethics, and the interconnections between critical realism and other schools of thought like pragmatism and realist evaluation. The conference, along with the pre-conference, attracted over 120 participants from diverse backgrounds across 31 countries, indicating a growing interest in critical realism. Notably, about half of the attendees were PhD students, indicating the significance of the event in academic circles.

This special issue aims to showcase selected presentations from the conference, providing a diverse representation of the topics discussed across different panels, although it is not intended to be comprehensive. The conference theme sought to explore the potential contributions of critical realism to the study of complexity, as well as to address the criticisms faced by ‘complex realism’, a concept introduced in the 1990s (Byrne Citation1998Citation2021; Reed and Harvey Citation1992). Complex realism aims to identify parallels between critical realism and complexity theory, but it has encountered criticism from within critical realism due to concerns that it conflates ontological levels (Holland Citation2014). To reinvigorate the discussion and develop a critical realist research agenda informed by complexity, the conference revisited the debates between complexity theory and critical realism, with a focus on three main thematic questions: ontological and epistemological domains, causality, and open/closed complex systems.

To represent the theoretical discussions that took place on complexity and complex systems, you will find in this issue two articles. The first article is by Leigh Price, and it sets the stage for the discussion by including a brief introduction to the field of systems theory. It argues that critical realism allows us to move beyond first generation (positivist) and second generation (hermeneuticist) approaches to systems theory towards a third-generation approach based on Bhaskar’s layered ontology. In third generation systems theory, the resolution of wicked (complex) problems, such as the socioecological crisis, involves correcting the method of homeostasis which in the context of society is our social method of finding knowledge about the best – most ethical – way to act. This homeostatic version of ethics assumes that, in the event of a problem that threatens our wellbeing, rather than correcting the consequences of the failure of homeostasis (the misguided action/behaviour based on misguided ethics), it is better to deal with the failure of the homeostatic mechanism itself (the mechanism by which we find truthful knowledge about the best way to act). This is a non-teleological approach to emancipation from ills and ‘it releases activists from having to be keepers of the moral high-ground or having to try to change people’s behaviour’.

The second article, titled ‘Complexity, trans-immanent systems and morphogenetic régulation: towards a problématique of calibration’ by Karim Knio, studies the intersection between critical realism and complexity theory via the philosophies of substance and persistence. Knio’s focus lies on Luhmann’s concept of autopoiesis, which refers to systems that self-reproduce. He argues that such systems are founded on a transcendental understanding of substance and a perduration account of persistence, implying that objects persist over time independently of their changing forms across different temporalities. In contrast, Knio introduces the immanent account of substance and exdurantist account of persistence through allopoiesis, where unanimated systems are defined by their qualities and only exist in time. However, to analyse complex systems comprehensively, both allopoietic and autopoietic systems must be considered. As such, and to overcome the paradox of substance, the development of a trans-immanent account of substance appears necessary. To achieve this, Knio employs Spinoza’s doctrine of parallelism and exemplifies its application through the Immanent Causality Morphogenetic Approach (ICMA) – French Régulation (FR) (Morphogenetic Régulation) model. In this article, Knio demonstrates how a trans-immanent system fits with CR via the Morphogenetic Régulation framework by exploring the theme of crisis in terms of the movement from inadequate to adequate understanding of objects in systemic environments (problématique of calibration).

During the conference, many academics also spoke of the intersection between critical realism and complex systems, taking a more practical, rather than theoretical, approach to the conference theme. Andrew Dryhurst, Yazid Zahda, and Zach Sloman, all working on applications of ICMA model, jointly contributed to a presentation titled ‘Morphogenetic Régulation In Action: Understanding Inclusive Governance, Neoliberalizing Processes in Palestine, and the Political Economy of the Contemporary Internet’. The authors advocate the use of ICMA(FR) (Morphogenetic Régulation) to analyse intricate social issues and engage with the complexities of systemic continuity within and between morphogenetic cycles. They demonstrate its versatility in tackling various themes by presenting three distinct case studies. Sloman exemplifies the use of the concept of ideas as self-explication in examining adversely inclusive governance. Zahda elaborates on ICMA(FR) (Morphogenetic Régulation) incorporating the Variegated Neoliberalization Thesis (VNLT) to analyse the triple morphogenesis and ideas as adequacy in the context of neoliberalization in Palestine. Meanwhile, Dryhurst highlights the significance of defining morphogenetic cycles and addresses the question of systemic persistence. Specifically, he raises the question of whether the transition from Web2 to Web3 should be regarded as an immanent transformation within the same cycle or as two separate cycles. In this interdisciplinary endeavour, the researchers effectively demonstrate the applicability of ICMA(FR) (Morphogenetic Régulation) in understanding complex social dynamics and causality across diverse socio-political contexts, shedding light on its potential to contribute to the study of social change and governance.

Representing the panel on CR, complexity, health and tourism, Priya Khanna and her colleagues submitted a research paper entitled ‘Unpacking the Impacts of a Programmatic Approach to Assessment System in a Medical Program Using a Critical Realist Perspective.’ In their study, the authors delve into the application of programmatic assessment, which is defined as the ‘longitudinal aggregation of carefully selected data points’, within medical educational settings, encompassing both medical staff and students. Employing the Critical Realist methodology, the authors engage in an inductive analysis, alongside abduction and retroduction techniques, to gain insights into the implementation of programmatic assessment. Additionally, they identify and explore the stages within the corresponding morphogenetic cycle. By doing so, Khanna et al. bring to light the inherent tensions and contradictions that emerge during the adoption and execution of programmatic assessment practices in the medical context.

The intersection between critical realism and complex systems was also analysed by Juan David Parra. His article titled ‘A Defence of Realist Evaluation and Its Role in the Stages of Explanatory Research Based on Critical Realism’ critically examines the primary objections raised by critical realist scholars (Porter Citation2015) concerning realist evaluation (RE). The article contends in favour of employing realist evaluation in the realm of applied evaluation research. Parra argues that criticisms concerning the ontological foundations of realist evaluation are predicated upon misinterpretations of RE’s existing literature and misconceptions regarding the terminology they use. Contrarily, Parra posits that realist evaluation’s methodological tenets align harmoniously with those esteemed by Bhaskar, thereby affirming RE’s efficacy as a valuable methodological instrument for investigating micro-political processes. This claim is substantiated through the presentation of a case-study conducted in Colombian schools, illustrating how realist evaluation can effectively illuminate pertinent dynamics within such contexts.

Finally, we present another approach to complex systems from a critical realist perspective, specifically one that is focused on democratic systems. Carl Auerbach in his article ‘Democracy and human nature: a layered system analysis’, undertakes a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted relationship between democracy and human nature, delving into the intricate dynamics that contribute to either promoting democracy or instigating democratic backsliding. Auerbach’s study revolves around a layered system approach, wherein democracy is understood as comprising three interconnected levels: the political/institutional level, the social/interactional level, and the psychological/interpsychic level. On the political/institutional level, Auerbach explores the darker aspects of human nature, particularly the propensity towards proactive aggression against rival groups. Such behaviour, he argues, emanates from the manifestations of outgroup discrimination and ingroup favouritism that occur at the social/interactional level. Delving further into the analysis, Auerbach turns to psychoanalytic reasoning to probe the roots of this dark side of human nature. He draws inspiration from authors associated with the Frankfurt School, as well as Klein and Benjamin, and posits that the origins of these negative tendencies can be traced back to the early relationship between an infant and its primary caregiver. The infants that cannot outgrow the paranoid-schizoid position are more likely to prove unable to consider themselves as part of a complex but unitary group, a foundation of democracy.

Considering that the conference also gave room for other presentations, which did not focus on the theme per se, a final article has been selected to give a sense of the variety of topics that were discussed at the conference. In his paper entitled ‘Crime and the Metaphysical Animal,’ Alan Norrie undertakes an in-depth analysis of crime narratives by employing the lens of moral psychology, with particular focus on the concepts of vindictive, vindicative, and validatory. By delving into the cognitive and emotional processes experienced by readers of crime stories, Norrie endeavours to unveil profound insights into the human psyche. He further contends that existing judicial systems fail to facilitate reconciliation and healing, instead predominantly reflecting vindictive and vindicative tendencies. According to Norrie, this situation poses a significant predicament, as human beings, referred to here as ‘the metaphysical animal,’ inherently seek unity and wholeness as integral components of their existential conditions. To support this notion, Norrie draws upon psychoanalysis, highlighting arguments that posit some individuals may not transcend their ‘paranoid-schizoid’ developmental phase, wherein objects are perceived as either entirely good or completely bad. This phenomenon of splitting the inherent wholeness of objects during early developmental stages can later manifest in authoritarian political responses. By drawing on moral psychology and psychoanalytic concepts, Norrie contributes to a nuanced understanding of crime narratives and their connections to human psychology, exploring the intricate interplay between individual cognition, societal structures, and judicial processes. His work calls for a comprehensive examination of judicial practices to better align them with the inherent human need for unity and wholeness, fostering potential pathways toward reconciliation and societal healing.

We hope that you enjoy reading this selection of papers from the 2022 conference. We believe that they make a significant contribution towards establishing critical realism as a powerful underlabourer for systems theory and complexity science.

#critical-realism, #philosophy, #philosophy-of-science, #realism

Systems Thinking Alphabet D- The Dancer, the systems thinker and the politician – Boulahbel (2023) – Medium Paywall

Houda Boulahbel

Systems Thinking Made Simple

6 min read

Dec 11

D- The Dancer, the systems thinker and the politician | by Houda Boulahbel | Systems Thinking Made Simple | Dec, 2023 | Medium

Systems-aware social accountability: Learning from emergent practice- Guerzovich and Keevill (2023)

December 20, 2023

A blue box that reads, "Systems-aware social accountability: Harnessing practitioner insights for more responsive governance" appears over a larger aubergine box.

By Florencia Guerzovich and Lauren Keevill

ystems-aware social accountability: Learning from emergent practiceDecember 20, 2023By Florencia Guerzovich and Lauren Keevill

Systems-aware social accountability: Learning from emergent practice | Pact

https://www.pactworld.org/blog/systems-aware-social-accountability-learning-emergent-practice

Three horizons and the future of health – an online dialogue with Bill Sharpe and Andy Wilkins, Jan 11 2024, 4pm GMT

“The Enlightened Enterprise Academy is delighted to offer a very special event, “THREE HORIZONS, SYSTEMS THINKING & THE FUTURE OF HEALTH” will explore how the Three Horizon’s Framework, combined with Critical Systems Thinking and Practice, can provide leaders with the ability to address the challenge of managing continuity and change simultaneously. RESERVE YOUR PLACE

Read more at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/warm-up-deep-dive-critical-systems-thinking-practice-paul-barnett-rj7te%3FtrackingId=MvGCGOtkQ%252FiaOhUG0fwyyA%253D%253D/?trackingId=MvGCGOtkQ%2FiaOhUG0fwyyA%3D%3D

Registration

3H Systems Thinking & Health | EE

https://www.enlightenedenterprise.io/3hsystemsthinking

Job: Lecturer in Systems Thinking in Practice, the Open University, Milton Keynes UK, £45-54k two years full time, closing date 11 January

Unit :  Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Salary :  £45,585 to £54,395
Location :  Milton Keynes
Please quote reference :  21377
Two Years Fixed Term with possibility of extension, Full Time
Closing Date :  11 January, 2024 – 12:00

Lecturer in Systems Thinking in Practice | Employment

https://www5.open.ac.uk/employment/vacancies/lecturer-systems-thinking-practice-21377