Prof. Ray Ison, a seasoned expert in systems education, cybernetics, and systems science, discusses the evolution of systems thinking and cybernetics. He explores the concept of 'Juggler Isophore,' integrating systems and design thinking, and delves into systemic sensibility in practice.
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Open University Systems History
The Open University, established in 1969, created a Faculty of Technology focusing on social and technical world interfaces.
This faculty included departments of Design and Systems, pioneering systems education in academia.
insights INSIGHT
Cybernetics Contestation
The field of cybernetics has always been contested, with debates on framing and epistemological commitments.
These debates highlight the importance of reflexivity in knowledge creation.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Information Revolution Misconception
Margaret Mead tasked Heinz von Foerster with writing Macy Conference proceedings to improve his English.
Von Foerster later admitted substituting "information" for "signal," impacting the "information revolution".
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With so much talk about 'systems thinking' in education, sometimes it can become framework overload! Which one should I pick? What's the difference between them anyway?! This week, it is a huge privilege to chat to someone who has been doing this longer than most! Professor Ray Ison has been teaching systems practice for the Open University for the last 4 decades. He shares his wisdom to cut through the jargon!
Ray is a cybernetician, systems scientist, and Professor of Systems at the Open University in the UK. He is currently President of the International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR). He was also Professor Systems for Sustainability at Monash University, and fellow at the Centre for Policy Development, and President of the International Society for the Systems Sciences in the year 2014-15. He is known for his work on systems praxeology within rural development,[1]sustainable management,[2] systemic governance and the design and enactment of learning systems.
An incredibly useful and practical overview of many ofthe topics discussed in this episode can be found in Ray's book, Systems Practice: How to Act. In situations of uncertainty and complexity in a climate-change world. (2017): https://oro.open.ac.uk/51143/
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