Stafford Beer

Prediction and Optimal Decision: Philosophical Issues of a Science of Values

In this personal estimate of the methodological problems of determining human values, the author bases his thoughts on the idea that the greatest unsolved problem of exploration lies in the study of humans real wants. The book examines critically the distinction between science and ethics by outlining an approach to scientific verification of ethical judgments.

What is cybernetics

An address delivered at the University of Valladolid, Spain. Asks the Question‐What is Cybernetics?. Discusses popular notions and genuine difficulties. Looks at the origins, derivations and definitions of cybernetics. Considers intrinsic control and Socio‐Economic Governance in real‐time. Relates cybernetics to the current world situation.

Managing modern complexity

Abstract Social institutions that in practice develop systems of knowledge and information are here termed ‘esoteric boxes’. These boxes interact, but whereas they themselves are extremely stable, the ‘meta-system’ which links them is typically unstable. It is in this fact that the threat to society really lies ; and if we are to regain control of this meta-system, then we need to design replacements. In this second article, feasible and effective lines of action are suggested whereby the causes of instability can be defined and thus controlled.

The liberty machine

Abstract If science is to offer mankind yet another tool, it must give him adequate warnings against its ignorant abuse. The author sees the responsibility of cybernetics not only to awaken society to environmental and social threats, but also to provide the tools with which to solve them. The failure of meta-systems in society is due to their conception as higher authorities which cannot conceivably exert that authority in a free society. If the metasystem (Liberty Machine) does not work, the only answer lies in its fresh design that can and does allow for meta-controls.

Ten pints of Beer

Details a discussion with Stafford Beer about the rationale of his cybernetic books published in the twentieth century (1959‐94). Includes a dialogue concerning his contributed works: Cybernetics and Management; Decision and Control; Management Science; Designing Freedom; Platform for Change; The Heart of Enterprise; Diagnosing the System for Organisations; and Beyond Dispute. Concludes with a perspective of some of his important early work and some unpublished contributions which have been collected into one book.

Man in a garrulous silence

Written in 1982 for a closed meeting of scholars, provides an insight into the thinking of the time and in particular to the contributions of the author to systems and cybernetics. Illustrates the challenge of technology to humankind and sees the coming of a second Tower of Babel which is as counter‐productive as the first. Believed it was necessary to consider practical strategies for change. Looks at the concept of human identity, considering “Oneself: a systems viewpoint”, “A Tripartite selfhood” and “The community consequence”. Provides a schematic framework for the discussion of the social cybernetics of the human condition. Considers a basic stance, and the application of rules detected by cybernetic scholarship. Outlines strategies for inducing change and examines new dimensions for planning. Emphasizes the importance of regarding planning as a matter of obtaining recognition of the frameworks that have been introduced and then facilitating choice.

Immanent Forms Of Imminent Crisis

AbstractInstitutions are systems for being what they are, and doing what they do. If the systems scientist finds that the system is, in fact, something no one wants, he should work towards changing that system. This paper, which was the Keynote Address to the CORS conference in May 1974, discusses the properties of real systems, and makes observations on how to change them. The paper lays down the challenge to OR practitioners to work towards making systems do what we want them to do.

A filigree friendship

This paper concerns the author’s long‐standing friendship with Gordon Pask. It describes several occasions where their lives overlapped significantly, namely working with chemical computers, the founding of the Department of Cybernetics at Brunel University and working together on the design of Joan Littlewood’s Fun Palace project.

Re-Enacted Cybernetics

Purposive SystemsEdited by Heinz von Foerster, John D. White, Larry J. Peterson and John K. Russell. (Proceedings of the First Annual Symposium of the American Society for Cybernetics.) Pp. xvi + 179. (Spartan Books: New York, 1968. Distributed in Europe and the British Commonwealth by Macmillan: London, June 1969.) 100s.