Observing systems

Second-order cybernetics (a.k.a. neocybernetics, or the cybernetics of cybernetics) recognizes the role of the observe in observed systems. The role of an observer cannot be ruled out in the way systems are perceived. Our actions in the present are guided by our experiences we gained in the past. In a sense we can predict the future. We built a mental model of reality that shapes the way we look at things and situations. That is, we behave according to our worldviews comprised of practices and experiences driven by assumptions and emotions. This is who we are. Our behavior is self-referential, i.e., we refer to our own practices and experiences to guide us in future actions. We make our own decisions, although circumstances might limit our options, or even more extreme, we might be coerced in a particular behavior.

We cannot stand on our own. We are constantly sensing the world and adapt where deemed necessary. Adapting to changing circumstances in the environment but also the concepts and ideas put forward by other people. Maturana and Varela equated cognizing with living: cognizing = sensing the world → adaptation = living. In order to adapt, there must be a difference that makes a difference. That is, a difference according to our worldviews (self-referential) and the (implicit) decision (autonomy) to adapt including to reshape our worldviews (autopoiesis).

More formally, the process of cognizing and adaptation can be written in the formula: O = WV(O). We view according to our worldview (WV) an object (O), which can be anything including a non-animated thing (for instance a chair) or a complex situation involving several stakeholders holding different opinions, and create a mental picture of the object (O). In the process of perceiving, our worldview is adapted repeatedly. In the end, we might reach a fixed point in which our mental picture corresponds with the object. Our worldview is a moving target and continuously adapted in this process. Beware for the fact that the fixed point only applies for ourselves. It becomes a fixed point because in the end there is no difference anymore that makes a difference. No matter how we look at the object from different angles, the object remains the same in our perception. It has become a static mental model of an object reflecting the real object somewhere out there in the world.

  • O = WV(WV(O))
  • O = WV(WV(WV(…)))

Thus by continuously applying our worldview to perceive an object, a fixed point is reached eventually: O = WV(O). Von Foerster called these fixed points eigenforms thereby acknowledging the groundwork of Spencer-Brown's Law of Forms. Although a fixed point can be reached, this does not mean that we have a complete perception of the object or even a correct one. It simply means that there is no difference anymore.























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