Evolution of cybernetics: philosophical and methodological analysis

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this paper is to elaborate the connection between the evolution of cybernetics and the development of scientific rationality (classical, non-classical, post-non-classical) and to emphasize the relevance of the formation of post-non-classical cybernetics for self-developing reflexive-active environment (the third-order cybernetics). Design/methodology/approach This paper includes interdisciplinary analysis of the evolution of cybernetics and possible directions of its development. Findings A connection between the types of scientific rationality (classical, non-classical and post-non-classical) and the stages of the development cybernetics is presented. Classical rationality is first-order cybernetics dealing with observed systems (an external observer). Non-classical rationality is second-order cybernetics dealing with observing systems (built-in observer). Post-non-classical rationality is third-order cybernetics dealing with the self-developing reflexive-active environment (distributed observer). Research limitations/implications This is an initial theoretical conceptualization, which needs a broader assessment and case studies. Practical implications This proposed direction for the analysis of cybernetics opens new approaches to social control on the basis of the subject-focused models and integration of traditional cybernetic tools. Social implications Third-order cybernetics will promote the development of civil society. Direct democracy receives new tools for development. Originality/value The value of this research is in the interdisciplinary analysis of the cybernetics evolution and in new possible directions for its development.

Cite this work

No public copy is stored for this record, so only the metadata is cited.

Stored only when both papers are in the corpus — 113 citations exist upstream.

Papers that cite the same references — the relational fallback while embeddings are still backfilling.