4th Wave Cybernetics
Contents
The Three Waves of Cybernetics
Cybernetics could be categorized in 3 waves. But we argue that a 4th wave of cybernetics is needed. This wave comes out of a logical, self reflectivity brought on by the idea that what was discussed during the 3 waves of cybernetics has manifested itself in the real world. Now we are at a point where we can look back on it and consider it.
1st Wave Cybernetics
Characterized feedback loops
2nd Wave Cybernetics
The second wave is defined by relflexicivity and betasyn by understanding everything through the cybernetic metaphor the human brain becomes as cybernetic system. and recursive loops that we're in the system we're studying. quantum mechanics moment in cybernetics.
3rd Wave Cybernetics
Defined as artificial life - setting the initial condition of watching things evolve. Decentralized aspects and bottom-up computing.
The Fourth Wave
The 4th wave is defined by a logic and self reflexivity. Now all of the technolpgices have prowess so it's not as much of a theoretical approach and discipline as one that provides a toolset for understand the current human and technological structures in the system. How humans are relating to the cybernetic systems of society. It brings cybernetics to a whole new level. It also recognizes this strand within cybernetics that has always been there. The idea that cybernetics have always functioned as an ideological principle. Like with stuart brand and the whole earth society. His ideas on computers as a connecting mechanism instead of a separating mechanism.
There is no real study of the history of computing from a societal perspective in a unified field (Molly Steenson may be one of the first to embark on these studies at Princeton University). The cyborg could really be the link to the 4th wave. it's progressed up until this point. Now these technologies have manifested up to this point, and they can be seen in every new interface revolution; these revolutions that are happening all the time.
