Sociocybernetic Paradoxes: Observation, Control and Evolution of Self-Steering Systems

Felix Geyer; J Van Der Zouwen; Thomas Baumgartner; Lauren Langman; Ronald W. Manderscheid; Wil Dijkstra; Joop van de Bovenkamp; Jan H.D. Klabbers; Michael Masuch; Arvid Aulin; James R. Beniger; Clifford I. Nass; Gerard de Zeeuw; Ervin Laszlo; Niklas Luhmann; Stein Braten;

ISBN 10: 0803997361 / ISBN 13: 9780803997363

Published by SAGE Publications Ltd, Beverly Hills, CA, 1986

About this Item

First Printing including Epilogue, Glossary and Author Index. Trade paperback with tight hinges. Completely clean and unmarked inside and out. Spine is not creased. Slight toning (age tanning) to white portions of covers and spine. Two light creases in the front cover. Very little wear of any kind otherwise. Will be bubble-wrapped and carefully packed in a sturdy box to ensure safe transit.

Seller Inventory # ABH3162

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Sociocybernetic Paradoxes: Observation, Control and Evolution of Self-Steering Systems
• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd, Beverly Hills, CA
• Publication Date: 1986
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0803997361
• ISBN 13: 9780803997363
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket As Issued

About this title

Synopsis

In this stimulating work, thirteen distinguished scholars examine and aim to reconcile the paradox that social systems tend to steer themselves with the knowledge that they are, at the same time, subject to steering and control from outside. ′Sociocybernetics′ is the term they have coined to describe the tools used in the analysis of this paradox; tools which have themselves evolved from and influenced cybernetics and general systems theory.

Sociocybernetic Paradoxes surveys both the possibilities and limitations of cybernetics in the analysis and treatment of social problems: Part One looks at concrete experiences of the steering of specific social systems; Part Two examines the planning, hierarchy and views of soci

Review

`Converts to this book′s ideas will find here a major contribution towards the dissolution of disabling `either--or′ stances and sceptics will gain the opportunity to criticize from an informed as opposed to a half--baked understanding of the issues involved.′ -- British Journal of Social Work, Vol.17, 1987.

`This book will be helpful to anyone who wants to learn about the content and scope of the ′new cybernetics′... The book is useful for the way it displays both the strengths and weaknesses of an innovative approach to the analysis of social systems.′ -- Contemporary Sociology