Von Foerster meets Kohonen - Approaches to artificial intelligence, cognitive science and information systems development
Purpose - Studies aspects of Heinz von Foerster's work that are of particular importance for cognitive science and artificial intelligence. Design/methodology/approach - Kohonen's self-organizing map is presented as one method that may be useful in implementing some of Von Foerster's ideas. The main foci are the distinction between trivial and non-trivial machines and the concept of constructive learning. The self-organizing map is also presented as a potential tool for alleviating the participatory crisis discussed by von Foerster. Findings - The participatory crisis in society is discussed and the concept of change is handled within the framework of information systems development. Originality/value - Considers the importance of considering change in information systems development.
artificial intelligence cognition information systems cybernetics democracy social systems