a modest proposal
DON MIKULECKY (MIKULECKY%VCUVAX.BITNET@letterbox.rl.ac.uk)
Wed, 18 Oct 1995 23:40:18 -0400
Don Mikulecky, MCV/VCU, Mikulecky@gems.vcu.edu
Reply to Gary Boyd and furtherb discussion on cybernetics and politics:
With regard to cybernetics and revolution, the revolution is already underway.
As we pontificate about one theory or another, the web and the net are doing
their own thing. We can try to understand this as it goes on, but complex
systems theory tells us clearly that by the time we do understand, the system
will have changed! There is a life and a culture out there that is dynamic,
interesting and also dissapointing and disgusting. People are using the new
technology for all kinds of things, few of which we would consider useful
and/or part of any change we would have designed.
If this sounds pessimistic, then so be it! I think that the nature of
complexity is clearly demonstrated by the world we live in. The nature of
cybernetic reality is too. Reductionist science taught prediction and control.
It has failed on a big scale as we watch in amazement. Now, the basis for
political support for science and technology is being shown to be of little
substance, since what was wanted of us is prediction and control. We are in an
interesting position...if we tell the truth, they will no longer support us...
if we lie...they will see that we can't produce. This is the nature of the
revolution as seen through the eyes of complexity in action.
If this thesis is correct, then what do we do? The answer seem simple.
If asked to deliver, we go back to our mechanistic, reductionist haven and make
mechanistic solutions. When ever posssible, we use complexity and holistic
thinking to try to understand as best we can. Then we modify our limited,
mechanistic approach to be more compatable with our latest learing.
Meanwhile, the visionaries among us will keep on trying to build models which
do a better job of anticipating. As that is happening, the system will be
changing, so the chance that the visionaries will do much is slight. The best
we can hope for, it seems, is that we might have a flash of insight as to what
is happening now and then.
We are living in interesting times. The revolution won't be televised!
Best wishes to all,
Don Miklulecky