Theme 1. Philosophical and methodological foundations for the development
of the systems approach and cybernetics
Challenges and threats to the future of humanity are increasing pressure to develop and apply systemic approaches and cybernetics. We want to debate the foundations of the philosophy of science, with particular emphasis in ontology, epistemology and methodology. New ideas are needed concerning scientific rationality, the problem of the observer, agency, transdisciplinary approaches, and problems related to complexity, reflexivity and ethics. We must increase the convergence of civilization and culture in the development and application of systemic approaches and cybernetics. System thinking and cybernetics enable a rich social construction of an interrelated and coherent world.
WOSC 2020 invites participants to discuss alternatives of observers in human activities, starting from a modernist approach of external observers accepting an objective reality, continuing with observer-participants, as interacting agents constructing their situational realities, and extending all this to an increased awareness of the complexity of the contextual constraints imposed by the structural coupling of systemic and environmental agents in co-evolution in ecosystemic chains.
Awareness of complexity offers the opportunities to overcome chaos and develop the functionality and coherence of societies. These meta-contextual aspects are not directly focused on actors and agents, but on the framing of their free unfolding of situation-environment interactions. This way we invite to reflect on aspects of societal significance, such as ecological chains, constrained resources, as well as economic inequalities that limit fairness and justice. WOSC 2020 wants to make inroads into the mechanisms shaping interactions, communications and relationships in complex systems, whether communities, enterprises, government agencies, small businesses or families. In particular, we want to offer an opportunity for Congress participants to enhance philosophical reflections and contribute with empirical approaches their practical experiences in the life-world of societal, ecological and economic situations. We invite methodological debates about social boundaries, systemic structures and communication mechanisms to influence good practice and improve people’s contributions to society.