bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Batesonian epistemology, Bushman n/om‐kxaosi, and rock art
Authors: Keeney Bradford 
Published: September 2007

PurposeAims to define the conceptual tools of Gregory Bateson's epistemology – the nature of difference, logical typing, and recursion – and to apply this to understanding how we can approach the analysis of ethnographic reports of the Bushman n/om‐kxaosi (shamans) and the Bushman rock art of Southern Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe paper argues that kinesthetic interaction with n/om‐kxaosi provides a vehicle for learning their way of construing the world.FindingsThe n/om‐kxaosi have a kinesthetic lexicon and a set of dominant metaphors rooted to their ecstatic body expression that provide coherence to their ways of healing and spiritual understanding. The previously assumed incoherent nature of Bushman religious views noted by anthropologists is argued to have been the consequence of underestimating the importance Bushman thinking gives to circularity and transformation of all aspects of their experience.Originality/valueIlluminates the analysis of the Bushman culture.
Toward Batesonian sociocybernetics: from Naven to the mind beyond the skin
Authors: Guddemi Phillip 
Published: September 2007

PurposeTo construct, from Bateson's social ideas ranging from Naven to the 1979 Mind and Nature, a Batesonian sociocybernetics.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers Bateson's ideas about the delineation of systems by the observer, as they were taught to his classes in the 1970s and as they were expressed in the so‐called first, 1936 Epilogue to Naven, and shows how these ideas led Bateson to a skeptical, anti‐reificationist social cybernetics.FindingsBateson de‐emphasized system boundaries, instead seeing systems as creations of the observer and as arbitrary cuttings of a continuous web of cybernetic processes.Research limitations/implicationsBateson's argument in Naven, a work originally published in 1936 and partially based in a sociological tradition which also forms some of the roots of Luhmann's thought, is surprisingly relevant to contemporary issues in second‐order cybernetics and sociocybernetics.Practical implicationsBateson's skepticism about reification, and emphasis on the observer's role in the construction of system boundaries, can point a way for sociocybernetics to address those cybernetic systems which do not fit Luhmann's or Maturana's strict criteria for autopoiesis.Originality/valueThis paper attempts to show the sophistication and relevance of Bateson's social thinking to the field of sociocybernetics.
Towards aesthetic seduction using emotional engagement and stories
Authors: Bilson Andy , Thorpe David 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to provide principles and to give a case study of the application of Bateson's ideas to promote epistemological change in organisations to deal with problems which many governments in English speaking countries currently attempt to address by control through detailed performance indicators and top‐down monitoring. It suggests that epistemological change requires an approach that goes beyond rational argument and provides an example of the way that emotional engagement and story telling can be built into action research based on cybernetic ideas.Design/methodology/approachBateson stresses the need for an epistemological change to embrace an understanding of the implications of circular causation to underpin our approach to problems and policy making. The case study shows how research using systemic principles can address epistemological change at all its stages including data collection and dissemination. In this way the research aims to become a conversation in which participants can reflect on the epistemological assumptions that underpin their actions.FindingsFollowing Maturana and Bateson it is found that a reflexive conversation that engages participants through emotion and story telling as well as demonstrating reflection on the researcher's own assumptions can powerfully engage participants in changing how they see problems and what they do.Originality/valueWhilst rational argument can be used to develop and expand a rational domain such as cybernetics, the paper suggests that the introduction of a systemic or cybernetic understanding to newcomers instead requires aesthetic seduction that can be achieved by promoting reflection on epistemological assumptions through story telling and emotional engagement.
Struggling for a Russian Bateson
Authors: Fedotov Dmitry 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the author's efforts to translate and publish books by Gregory Bateson in the difficult conditions of post‐communist Russia.Design/methodology/approachThe story of this publishing project can be traced back to early 1980s and included the author's personal meeting with Michael Murphy during his visit to Moscow.FindingsDescribes the production of translated version of Bateson's works published in Russian.Originality/valueProvides information of value to those interested in the human condition.
Batesonian analysis of value hierarchies and the transformation of Russia
Authors: Luksha Pavel , Tkachev Anatoly 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe aim is to analyse changes of mass distributed value hierarchies in the course of social transformations in Russia during the last 25 years.Design/methodology/approachThe article's approach is development of the model of value hierarchies within the framework of Batesonian thinking and analysis of secondary sociological and economic data on Russia.FindingsThe value hierarchy model, built within the Batesonian approach, provides a framework for analysis of the behavioural alternative choice by social individuals. Crisis events in Russia in the 1990s were related to the demolition of behavioural contexts and mass scale learning‐III of the adult population. New value hierarchy structures were subsequently formed in the early 2000s. Attention of social planners to the structure of mass‐distributed value hierarchies and the need to learn in changing contexts could improve the efficiency of social transformation.Research limitations/implicationsResearch findings are limited by the use of secondary data. However, even in this case, the model of value hierarchies has been found a useful tool of sociological data interpretation.Practical implicationsNeed for changes in epistemological grounds that underlie the design of massive socioeconomic reforms.Originality/valueThe value hierarchy model was developed as a contribution to the Batesonian tradition of epistemology. Insights were provided into value hierarchy changes as the key driver of chronic crises in Russia in the 1990s. Social scientists and social planners within the system thinking approach could benefit from this paper.
Reflections on learning and addiction: porpoises and palm trees
Authors: Bateson Gregory 
Published: September 2007

PurposeTo provide a glimpse into Gregory Bateson's thought processes about addiction and learning.Design/methodology/approachThis piece is a combination of a transcribed and edited lecture called Civilizations and addiction II, and a previously unpublished piece from the Angel's Fear manuscripts, “Definition of Addiction.”FindingsAddiction is examined as a relationship between two or more entities.Practical implicationsThis paper may provide a different and more integrated understanding of addiction. It may also lead to further research, into re‐thinking the nature addiction, and subsequent courses of action to get through addictive situations.Originality/valueThis paper forms a valuable insight into numerous current cultural, social and individual issues dealing with addiction, and achieving higher levels of learning.
“The logical categories of learning and communication”: reconsidered from a polycontextural point of view
Authors: von Goldammer Eberhard , Paul Joachim 
Published: September 2007

PurposeBateson's model of classifying different types of learning will be analyzed from a logical and technical point of view. While learning 0 has been realized for chess playing computers, learning I turns out today as the basic concept of artificial neural nets (ANN). All models of ANN are basically (non linear) data filters, which is the idea behind simple and behavioristic input‐output models.Design/methodology/approachThe paper will discuss technical systems designed on the concept of learning 0 and I and it will demonstrate that these models do not have an environment, i.e. they are non‐cognitive and therefore “non‐learning” systems.FindingsModels based on Bateson's category of Learning II differ fundamentally from Learning 0 and I. They cannot be modeled any longer on the basis of classical (mono‐contextural) logics. Technical artifacts which belong to this category have to be able to change their algorithms (behavior) by their own effort. Learning II turns out as a process which cannot be described or modeled on a sequential time axis. Learning II as a process belongs to the category of (parallel interwoven) heterarchical‐hierarchical process‐structures.Originality/valueIn order to model this kind of process‐structures the polycontextural theory has to be used – a theory which was introduced by the German‐American Philosopher and Logician Gotthard Günther (1900‐1984) and has been further developed by Rudolf Kaehr and others.
Looking for “scientific” social science
Authors: Montagnini Leone 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe paper studies the participation of Gregory Bateson at the Macy Conferences on Cybernetics, that would prove to be a real turning point in his intellectual itinerary.Design/methodology/approachIt bases itself on more or less known documents and on the newer studies on early cybernetics, focussing in particular on the earliest Macy meetings.FindingsBeing still an anthropologist, Bateson insisted on the importance and lack of theory in social sciences. Arriving at the first Macy meeting, he hoped that the new researches conducted by Norbert Wiener with others would have helped him to clarify the concept of circular causality that he believed to be a very central theoretical notion in social sciences. Indeed, Wiener was strongly sceptical about the inclusion of social sciences in the new cybernetic programs. Nevertheless, Bateson could learn about negative and positive feedback, about how negative feedback was able to explain finality in a non‐metaphysical way, and discovered the specificity of phenomena concerning information. In addition, he became acquainted with Russell's theory of logical types, which resonated in his mind with his ideas about deutero‐learning. Very quickly, his reasoning about circular processes in society began to include also problems of communication and self‐referentiality.Originality/valueIt wants to explain one of the most important moments in Bateson's scientific evolution, emphasizing theoretical problems in social sciences demanding still now a stable clarification.
Legacy: lessons from the Bateson team meetings
Authors: Ray Wendel A. , Govener Molly R. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeTo provide direct access to historically significant, original raw data from research conducted by the Bateson Team.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is hermeneutic textual analysis.FindingsThe communication/interactional theory emerged from the interaction between members of the Bateson Research Team that took place between 1952 and 1961.Originality/valueDecisively relevant to the origins of communication/interactional theory.
Language games and (hi)stories: Wittgenstein, Bateson and Schapp on the role of language in therapy
Authors: Rudi Fischer Hans 
Published: September 2007

PurposeIn Bateson's theory of mind, the adaptation of Russell's theory of logical types is of key importance. Korzybski represented the type‐logical difference between language and reality as the metaphorical distinction between map and territory. The confounding of logical types generates cognitive, and logical problems, which Bateson reflected in his theory of schizophrenia. In Wittgenstein's philosophy, this type‐logical distinction is of equal significance.Design/methodology/approachThe present paper, through the elucidation of the concept of language‐game and its relationship with grammar, demonstrates the proximity of Wittgenstein's and Bateson's understanding of language, which allows for a productive improvement of possible therapies of insanity.FindingsFor Bateson, schizophrenia is the attempt to escape from a pathogenic learning context, within which the map of thought has become malformed. Insanity can thus be understood as transformed grammar and can additionally be illuminated by both Wittgenstein's and Kant's conception of insanity. Wittgenstein's idea that in madness the lock is not destroyed, only altered is further reflected in connection with Bateson's theory of schizophrenia. On the basis of this conception of language, we develop an understanding of language that allows us to interpret “insanity” as deviating cognition originating in a family's system of communication.Originality/valueOn account of the “reality‐constitutive” character of language, it can be shown that “insane” thinking is based on a change of grammar. Therefore, the aim of therapy must be the change of pathological language‐games and the creation of bridges between inconsistent self‐interpretations of the patient by means of inventing new language‐games (stories).
Toward a science of metapatterns: building upon Bateson's foundation
Authors: Volk Tyler , Bloom Jeffrey W. , Richards John 
Published: September 2007

PurposeGregory Bateson defined a metapattern as a “pattern of patterns.” But, what did he mean by metapattern (which he used only once)? Can there be a meta‐science, in which metapatterns are its objects or principles? The authors explore these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe authors review examples of Bateson's “great pattern” of “combination,” which the authors call the binary. Bateson showed that binary is the minimal solution to the problem of gaining new characteristics by combining parts into a larger whole. Thus, binary is clearly a metapattern, a discipline‐transcending structural and functional principle. The authors select parts of Bateson's writings to highlight his search for other great patterns, some of which correspond with those developed by T. Volk.FindingsThe authors suggest that the basis for a science of metapatterns is the following: functional patterns that confer advantages on the systems that possess those patterns can converge, in a meta‐realm that includes all of what Bateson termed stochastic sequences, namely, in biological, cultural, and cognitive realms. The convergences are common solutions to the same functional problems that span a wide variety of systems. Other general principles in the organization of systems, such as borders, arrows, cycles, centers, and networks, constitute members of a system of metapatterns, the objects in a Batesonian metascience. The authors show that the metapatterns have implications for research in the humanities and social sciences, as well as for dynamic learning along the lines of Bateson's broadly‐extended concept of epistemology.Originality/valueAs nearly universal functional patterns, metapatterns could serve to create a scale‐bridging form of descriptive scholarship and thus contribute to the quest for a unified body of knowledge, which E.O. Wilson termedConsilience.
How G. Bateson informs dogs
Authors: Todesco Rolf 
Published: September 2007

PurposeTo show how Bateson's difference which makes a difference can be interpreted from a cybernetic view, i.e. in terms of control theory.Design/methodology/approachDepending on the observer's choice of the system boundaries, communication or structural coupling may be recognized. With the help of Bateson's example he uses to explain his term of information the paper demonstrates how the two perspectives can be related to each other and in which way his metalogical “hypothesis non fingo” reflects this refraction of perspectives.FindingsHypotheses describing structural coupling in the perspective of communication become explanations which then in circularity are verified by structural coupling. In his example Bateson describes a structural coupling between a dog owner and his dog in order to explain how he informs dogs.Originality/valueProvides information on Bateson's theory of explaining
Metalogue: “less than one and more than two: developing a partiality for whole(some)ness”
Authors: Kenny Vincent , Scarino Laura 
Published: September 2007

PurposeTo elaborate a systemic view of conducting psychotherapy with twins.Design/methodology/approachUsing the form of a Batesonian metalogue the authors unpack and illustrate a number of key notions in the systemic psychotherapy of twins, including the ideas of the “exosomatic mind” which makes special reference to Bateson's definition of “mind” “cybernetic complementarity” and the “incarnated narrative”.FindingsThe discussions in the metalogue evidence a number of important systemic conversational features, underlining the fact that a therapist can conduct “systemic therapy” with a single individual.Originality/valueTherapists are helped to see the need for going “beyond the individual skull” when doing therapy with a single person.
How to understand giants?
Authors: Marian Pawlik Lucas 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe paper is aimed at understanding and investigating Gregory Bateson's and Heinz von Foerster's peculiar relation to knowledge, the unknowable, and research. From this, the question of how to carry on their heritage is raised.Design/methodology/approachThe whole paper is designed as an epistemological experiment starting from reflections on Gregory Bateson's metalogues and adopting a methodological style of reasoning. A strong focus is laid on the combination of loose and strict thinking which is characteristic of both Heinz von Foerster and Gregory Bateson.FindingsIn order to preserve and further develop their heritage, it is necessary to deal with Bateson's and Foerster's view(s) on the relations between the unknowable and the meaning of research. This has to be done in a manner in which epistemology and research become a personal as well ecological matter in which the relationship between the single individual and its greater context becomes explicit.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper refuses to view science and cybernetics within predefined boundaries. It suggests that the form of science and its relations to the individual and the community should be viewed as processes of constant re‐generation.Originality/valueThe value of this paper lies in viewing the similarities of Bateson's and von Foerster's peculiar style as general guidelines for future research and an understanding of epistemology.
Bateson and the Arts
Authors: Nachmanovitch Stephen 
Published: September 2007

PurposeTo elucidate the relationship between science and the arts in Gregory Bateson's thinking, from the viewpoint of an artist‐musician and student of Bateson.Design/methodology/approachSynthesis.FindingsOne theme that pervaded Gregory Bateson's lifelong contribution was the rich and complex interface between art and science. Artistry (which may occur in either the arts or the sciences) plays across the interface between conscious and unconscious mind and environment. We come in actual practice to an appreciation and a facility for working with total cybernetic systems rather than the fragmented bits and pieces which are taught in conventional education and media. Through the play and discipline of creativity, we are able to experience this total systemic view of mind and nature.Originality/valueShows the reader significant ways of seeing the systems nature of our world through the experience and the practice of artistic creativity.
Strain range fatigue life assessment of lead‐free solder interconnects subject to temperature cycle loading
Authors: Osterman Michael , Pecht Michael 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe aim is to present temperature fatigue model constants for lead‐free tin‐silver‐copper solder derived from test data and demonstrate the validity of the model using published experimental results.Design/methodology/approachTemperature cycle fatigue life data were collected from a controlled set of tests using ceramic leadless chip carriers. Using a regression algorithm, temperature cycle fatigue model constants were derived from fatigue life data. The model was then applied to a variety of package formats including ball grid arrays, quad flatpack and thin small outline packages to determine the validity of the model and constants.FindingsThe temperature cycle fatigue life experimental data were found to be in good agreement with the model with the derived model constants for various package types. Using this model, engineers can determine acceleration factors between test and field temperature cycle conditions.Research limitations/implicationsThe technology has been used to ensure inner layer designs with nominal dimensions after the lamination stage. Further, development work should be undertaken to collate measured data from other parts of the PCB manufacturing process and model the material movement around all registration critical processes.Originality/valueThe paper details a temperature cycle fatigue life model and constants that allow engineers to predict field life expectancy and determine the acceleration factor between temperature cycle testing and field use conditions.
High‐cycle fatigue testing of Pb‐free solder joints
Authors: Barry N. , Jones I.P. , Hirst T. , Fox I.M. , Robins J. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe research aims to explore the high‐cycle fatigue performance of Pb‐free alloys and compare them to Sn‐Pb. In doing this, it also aims to demonstrate the viability of a new testing method.Design/methodology/approachThe method introduced uses existing test equipment in a novel way to combine the speed and applicability of general vibration testing with the control of single, model specimen testing. Model solder joints are constructed in a repeatable manner and repeated tensile stress cycles are applied until failure.FindingsIt is found that in the regime studied, all of the Pb‐free alloys tested show significantly decreased performance compared to Sn‐Pb, at ambient temperatures. No obvious mechanical or microstructural features have been identified as the cause of this discrepancy. The test method employed demonstrates good correlation with existing fatigue test methods despite the known variance of solder mechanical test results.Research limitations/implicationsIt is recognised that results pertaining to essentially only a one‐dimensional stress state are obtained, and that practical stresses will vary. The performance difference between Pb and Pb‐free alloys warrants further investigation.Originality/valueThe results obtained are of interest to high‐reliability electronics sectors such as aerospace, defence and automotive, where vibrations in service are encountered. Very little work exists on the subject of solder high‐cycle fatigue performance and to the author's knowledge none comparing Pb to Pb‐free alloys in an objective manner.