Second Order Cybernetics
Second order Cybernetics presents a (new) paradigm—in which the observer is circularly (and intimately) involved with/connected to the observed. The observer is no longer neutral and detached, and what is considered is not the observed (as in the classical paradigm), but the observing system. The aim of attaining traditional objectivity is either abandoned/passed over, or what objectivity is and how we might obtain (and value) it is reconsidered. In this sense, every observation is autobiographical. Therefore, second order Cybernetics must primarily be considered through the first person and with active verbs: the observer’s inevitable presence acknowledged, and should be written about in the first person,
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Answer by Gemini
list the characteristic features of second order, and above, cybernetic loop
Second-order cybernetics (and higher-order loops) represents a paradigm shift from studying observed systems (first-order) to studying observing systems. It is defined as the "cybernetics of cybernetics"—the application of cybernetic principles to itself, where the observer, their methods, and their interactions are included within the system being studied. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS (EOLSS) +3The characteristic features of second-order and above cybernetic loops include: 1. Inclusion of the Observer (Participant Observer) Observer Dependence: The observer is not neutral or detached but is an active participant embedded within the system they study.Autobiographical Observation: Every observation is recognized as "autobiographical," reflecting the observer's own structure and actions rather than an absolute, objective reality.Reflexivity: The system includes the capacity to observe its own observing, acting, and thinking processes. Medium +42. Self-Reference and Recursion Circular Self-Correction: Instead of linear causality (input (\rightarrow ) process (\rightarrow ) output), these loops are recursive, where the output of the system becomes an input to the observer, who subsequently changes the system."Control of Control": It is often described as the "control of control" or "communication of communication," dealing with the meta-level processes of regulation.Self-Organization: Systems are understood to be autonomous, generating their own internal "order-from-noise" rather than simply reacting to external stimuli. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS (EOLSS) +33. Epistemological and Ethical Shifts Radical Constructivism: Reality is understood as a cognitive construct co-created by the observer rather than an objective, independent world.Ethical Responsibility: Because the observer is part of the system, they are responsible for the system's behavior. Von Foerster’s ethical imperative states: "Act always so as to increase the number of choices".Abandonment of Absolute Objectivity: Traditional objectivity is replaced by a recognition that all knowledge is observer-dependent, moving from finding the "truth" to managing understanding. YouTube +54. Key Concepts in Higher-Order Systems Autopoiesis (Self-Production): Systems are viewed as autonomous, self-producing networks (like living cells) that maintain their own boundary and identity, a key concept developed by Maturana and Varela.Eigen-forms: The system settles into stable, recurring, and self-consistent patterns (eigen-behaviors or "objects") that are products of the observer's own recursion.Conversation Theory: Communication is seen as a mutual interaction where understanding is negotiated (Gordon Pask), rather than just the transmission of data. Wikipedia +25. Features of "Above" (Third Order and Higher) Co-Evolutionary Networks: Third-order systems often grapple with emergent, self-referential networks where human, machine, and environmental agents mutually influence each other.Meta-Learning/Meta-Cognition: Systems that recursively analyze and redefine their own learning strategies or internal structures. LinkedInComparison Table: First vs. Second Order Feature First-Order (Observed)Second-Order (Observing)PerspectiveOutside, NeutralInside, ParticipatoryFocusHow to steer (Control)Who is steering? (Authority)RealityObjective, IndependentSubjective, ConstructedProcessNegative Feedback (Stability)Recursion/Self-ReferenceRole of ObserverExcludedIncluded