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The purpose of second-order cybernetics

Article Information:

Title:

The purpose of second-order cybernetics

Author(s):

Ranulph Glanville

Journal:

Kybernetes

Year:

2004

Volume:

33

Issue:

9/10

Page:

1379 - 1386


ISSN:

0368-492X


DOI:

10.1108/03684920410556016

Publisher:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

In this paper, the origins of second-order Cybernetics are sketched, and are particularly identified with circularity: a quality that was at the basis of the studies that lead to the creation of the field of Cybernetics. The implications of the new analysis that second-order Cybernetics (Cybernetics treated cybernetically: that is, Cybernetics when circularity is taken seriously) gives rise to are considered in terms of the two qualities that Wiener gave to Cybernetics in his eponymous book – control and communication. Finally, the analysis is applied to that other proto-cybernetic concept, purpose. It is shown that (and in consequence how) the notion of goal and purpose must be radically reconsidered in second-order Cybernetic systems.

Keywords:

Cybernetics, Systems theory


Article Type:

Conceptual Paper


Article URL:

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/03684920410556016

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