invites everybody to the tenth of its interdisciplinary seminars in the series "Foundations". In this series CLEA invites scholars that are actively engaged in the research on the foundations of a particular discipline. Their lectures will always be directed
to an interdisciplinary audience, and the discussions aim at confronting
the foundations of the different disciplines.
(Professor at the Center for Innovation and Cooperative Technology, Amsterdam,)
Wednesday, October 23 at 5 p.m. in room L210 (buildingL/HILOK)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Campus Oefenplein.
One of the characteristics that seems invariant under variation of the way research and science are conceptualised is to improve on observation. Various devices have been invented to do so. The most well-known is the notion of a scientific object. Unfortunately the device fails to function well in many situations. A number of alternatives to deal with such situations have been developed (some of which were in place before science developed). These can be categorised as combinations of three types: of 'theories about the world', of 'theories for research', and of 'theories for action'. 'Systems theory' is seen by some as a theory about the world, by some as a theory for research, by some as a theory for action. These interpretations often get confused. Second order cybernetics aims to clarify the issues involved, for example the role of improved observations in action.
The discussion will center around the notion of transfer and what it designates in the process of improving observations. Special languages have been developed that ensure good quality transfer given combinations of the three kinds of 'theory'. A practical example is presented of a study where it proved impossible to use the device of a scientific object as support to organisational change. An alternative device was developed, based on the use of the 'if ... do ...' language, rather than of the more traditional 'if ... then ...' language..
About the speaker:
Gerard de Zeeuw studied at the Universities of Leyden, Rotterdam and Stanford (mathematics, statistics, econometrics, psychology). He did his Ph.D. at the University of Amsterdam. His main work has been in the understanding of research methods as applied in the social sciences and as related to the use of their results. Presently he is full professor at the University of Amsterdam, and director of the Center for Innovation and Cooperative Technology in the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics and Astronomy. Since 1994 he is Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics, and at the University of Lincoln and Humberside. Gerard de Zeeuw is past-president of the Dutch Systems Group, and past-president of the International Federation for Systems Research. He is Editor of Systemica and Associate Editor of Systems Research (past Editor-in-Chief).
The presentation with questions will last about an hour. Afterwards, an hour or more is reserved for an in-depth, group discussion of the topic.
More info at the CLEA office: phone 02-644 26 77 (afternoon) or via the Web-page: http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/CLEA/