In the present issue the two first papers by Lars Qvortrup and Massimo Negrotti constitute a special thematic section on "The Theory of the Artificial" with its own introduction on the next page.
The third paper "A Cybernetic and Semiotic view on a Galilean Theory of Psychology" written by Søren Brier analyses the contribution of second order cybernetics to the solution of some of the basic epistemological problems of psycho-biological research and cognitive science. With the work of the Danish psychologist Iven Reventlow as an example the paper is focusing on the positions of Maturana, von Foerster and Luhmann in the field between science and philosophy.
In the praxis section we bring a short personal paper by Marc Luyckx from "The Forward Studies Unit" of the EEC Commission: "Cultural Change and Ethical Responsabilities of the Scientist" who discusses the basic changes in our society and its significance for our understanding of science and its - and the scientists - role in the development of society.
In the last section Michael Manthey inform about ANPA - The Alternative Natural Philosophy Association. In the next issues we will bring information about other interdisciplinary activities in different parts of the world.
Finally, we bring a book review and a continuation of the discussion between Johnson and von Glasersfeld on the epistemology and ontology of second order cybernetics. The subject they are dealing with is also discussed in the papers of both Qvortrup and Brier. Both of these papers open towards a new area of discussion: The connection between second order cybernetics and the semiotics of C.S. Peirce.
The journal is now expanding over the globe, and the number of consulting editors has also expanded. A warm welcome to them and the new members of the editorial board: Ervin Laszlo, Edgar Morin and Niklas Luhmann on board this self-organizing system of global second order communication. A happy new year to all subscribers and co-workers.
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