Circularity and the Micro-Macro-Difference.

Füllsack, Manfred

Context Referring to a recent proposition by Kauffman about the fundamental nature of circularity in cybernetics and in scientific work in general, I try to advance this insight with the help of system scientific concepts and a computational model. > Problem Often circularity seems to be taken as a metaphor that does not provide a firm epistemological base that fosters analysis. > Method The methodology builds on mathematics, computer-based modeling, and reasoning. > Results By building on conceptual suggestions for grasping the micro macro difference of complex systems in terms of computational power, circularity can be conceived of as an emerging macrolevel phenomenon. > Implications I show that the seemingly irritating and traditionally evaded concept of circularity is a fundamental and ubiquitous phenomenon in complex systems that can be grasped on a firm physical basis open to computational analysis. The proposal could support constructivist reasoning and help to eventually bridge the disconcerting gap between the humanities and natural sciences. > Constructivist content Circularity is a fundamental principle in the conception of second order cybernetics and in particular in the observation of observing systems, as suggested by von Foerster. Trying to set it up on a firm analytical basis could advance the constructivist approach and further support it in becoming the contemporary scientific epistemology it deserves to be.

CYBERNETICS; SYSTEMS theory; INFORMATION theory; THEORY of knowledge; SCIENTIFIC knowledge

Constructivist Foundations, 2016, Vol 12, Issue 1, p1

1782-348X

Academic Journal