Introduction to Sociocybernetics (Part 3): Fourth order cybernetics

Second-order cybernetics: an historical introduction

In 1974, Heinz von Foerster articulated the distinction between a firstand second-order cybernetics, as, respectively, the cybernetics of observed systems and the cybernetics of observing systems. Von Foerster’s distinction, together with his own work on the epistemology of the observer, has been enormously influential on the work of a later generation of cyberneticians. It has provided an arch...

Cybernetics and Second-Order Cybernetics

I. Historical Development of Cybernetics.......................................................1 A. Origins.....................................................................................1 B. Second Order Cybernetics............................................................2 C. Cybernetics Today.....................................................................4 II. Relational Concepts...

Part 3 - Introduction

Lecture 3: Fourth Order BSS Method

The approach combines second and fourth order statistics to perform BSS of instantaneous mixtures. It applies for any number of receivers if they are as many as sources. It is a batch algorithm that uses non-Gaussianity and stationarity of source signals. It is linear algebra based direct method, reliable and robust, though large dimensions of sources may slow down the computation significantly...

Second Order Cybernetics

mathematical/logical text that is a central reference for all second order cyberneticians. The introduction is a wonderfully insightful essay. So are some of the appendices.] von Foerster H. (1995). The Cybernetics of Cybernetics, second edn. Minneapolis, MN: Future Systems Inc. 497 pp. [The book of the name: a collection of papers by distinguished cyberneticians with graphic commentaries and o...