cybsys@bingvaxu.cc.binghamton.edu (01/10/90)
ISSS - CALL FOR PAPERS 34TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE SYSTEMS SCIENCES PORTLAND, OREGON 8-13 JULY, 1990 DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACTS JANUARY 20 1990 (FIRM) The following sessions will be held, details follow: 1. CHAOS AND NONLINEAR DYNAMICS 2. DESIGNING EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS 3. ECOLOGICAL HIERARCHIES 4. EMERGENCE AND EVOLUTION 5. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING 6. GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE 7. INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS APPLICATIONS 8. INFORMATION SYSTEMS DESIGN 9. LIBERATING SYSTEMS THEORY 10. MARXIST COMMUNISM AND WESTERNP STYLE CAPITALISM 11. METAMODELING AND SYSTEM EPISTEMOLOGY 12. NONEQUILIBRIUM AND NONLINEAR PHENOMENA IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 13. ON THE PHILOSOPHY OF TRANSDISCIPLINARY THEORY 14. SYMBOLS AND DYNAMICS 15. SYSTEMS APPROACHES TO PSYCHOLOGY/PSYCHIATRY 16. THE SEARCH FOR SHARED SYSTEMS PROCESSES AND METHODS: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN THE NATURAL AND HUMAN APPLICATION SCIENCES 1. CHAOS AND NONLINEAR DYNAMICS One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the development of new analytical tools to apply to what Simon has called the "sciences of complexity". The application of chaos theory, fractal geometry and nonlinear dynamics, more generally through the vechicle of the modern computer, has made possible the crossing of what Pagels has called the "complexity barrier" and has great promise for the present and future study of complex dynamic systems and helping integrative disciplines emerge. In conjunction with a planned symposium, papers and/or posters are invited on this subject, especially with regard to application to fields such as biology, environmental issues, brain sciences, economics and/or examples of how such approaches help to discover isomorphies between apparently disparate phenomena. (Abstracts to: Arnold Mandell, Laboratory of Biological Dynamics and Theoretical Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA, or to Bruce Weber, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Fullerton, CA 92634 USA). 2. DESIGNING EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS The series of sessions within this program area are planned to reflect this year's "Designing Just Systems for Future Generations" theme. The following list is not intended to be limiting. Instead it will hopefully stimulate thinking about possible topics for papers: -Methods for designing education systems -Models or designs of new educational systems -Developing competence in the design of educational systems -Developing new "stories of education" that account for future generation -Redefining the outcomes and services of educational systems -Criteria for evaluating the "justness" of educational systems -The politics of designing new educational systems We plan to begin the educational theme program with a symposium that will contribute to the larger agenda. We are also considering something new P organizing a culminating session to summarize the key issues and concepts presented in the various paper sessions. (Abstracts to: C. Lynn Jenks, Director, Center for Educational Design, Far West Laboratory, 1855 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 949103 USA). 3. ECOLOGICAL HIERARCHIES: A Revolution for Ecology, an Arena for Hierarchy Theory In recent years, practicing ecologists have used hierarchy theory to revolutionize their field. This session is an opportunity for ecologists and other hierarchists to explore the results of this expanded theoretical view. It is expected that some presenters will give ecology the broadest possible meaning, while others will be ecologists in the strict disciplinary sense, reaching to a broader meaning of ecology from a strong base that has accrued from the actual application of hierarchy theory in the field. (Abstracts to: T.F.H. Allen, Department of Botany, Birge Hall, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53076 USA, Phone: (608) 255-1985, FAX: (608) 262-7509). 4. EMERGENCE AND EVOLUTION This series of paper sessions and workshops will run over a two day period following a symposium designed to set the stage. As with last year's cutting-edge session, many prominent researchers in the field are expected to attend. In an effort to understand and identify general principles, laws and patterns "evolution" is defined in this endeavor in the most general way as change in matter/energy over time. Thus we seek relationships, continuities, and isomorphies between physical, chemical, biological, and cultural evolution. "Emergence" is defined as the spontaneous transformation, at whatever level of organization, of the previously incoherent into the coherent; the coming into being without exogenous specification of new levels of dynamical space-time behavior. Since emergent behavior is discovered at virtually all observable space-time scales the underlying principles which govern it are believed to be universal. We seek to identify, study and model the universalities, laws or principles, and attractors that govern. Although the core group is deeply rooted in nonequilibrium thermodynamics, this is not a requirement for participation. On the contrary we seek participants from fields as diverse as physics, biology, ecology and the cognitive and social sciences. Philosophical contributions that deal with implications and consequences are also encouraged. Posters are particularly welcome. (Abstracts to (both please): Rod Swenson, Center for the Study of Complex Systems, 84 Thomas Street, New York, NY 10013 USA, FAX: (212) 571-4538, and Bruce H. Weber, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Fullerton, California 92634 USA). 5. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING This session continues a theme first presented at the ISSS meeting in Budapest, and further developed at the Edinburgh meeting: a new systems-based approach to knowledge engineering that encompasses knowledge elicitation, knowledge formalization, and advanced forms of knowledge representation. This paper session will follow a symposium dealing with these themes at which George Klir, Robert Orchard, Edward Reese and others are expected to speak. Papers are solicited that bring a systems perspective to the process of knowledge engineering both in general knowledge-based systems as well as in the more classical computer-based expert systems. (Abstracts to: Robert A. Orchard, P.O. Box 730, Butler, New Jersey 07405 USA , Phone: (201) 839-7025). 6. GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE While the prevailing view predicts a general global warming trend, some scientists predict the result of greenhouse warming could trigger a runaway glaciation cycle. This has great potential consequences for the "design of a just society for future generations." It has been shown that such a transition from a carbon dioxide greenhouse to a glacial regime can occur within a 20 year time period, but scientists have been unable to calculate a probability function for when this might actually commence. Since the result could be 2 billion dead, any plan for a just society would have to have a contingency plan for mass migration or for changing the glacial cycle. There are six stages of systems analysis of this climate change problem: (1) philosophical discussion, (2) scientific research, (3) development of a strategy, (4) engineering design of projects, (5) production of materials and tools, (6) emergency action. We plan to discuss items (1)-(3) in Portland, and items (4)-(6) in Europe in 1991. (Abstracts to: Fred B. Wood, Sr., 2346 Lansford Ave., San Jose, CA 95125 USA, Phone: (408) 723-7818). 7. INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS APPLICATIONS The purpose of this session is to continue our previous work discussing and exploring how metaphors from rapidly developing fields of knowledge such as sub-atomic physics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, ecology, and evolution can be applied in the management of organizations. Those interested in participating in this discourse are invited to submit abstracts. (Abstracts to: Gail Fleischaker, 76 Porter Street, Somerville, MA 02143 USA). 8. INFORMATION SYSTEMS DESIGN At present, the field of information systems design is nurtured by a number of disciplines, and continues in search of a paradigm. As is the case with other systems application domains, in the absence of a concerted design effort, the default mode of operation tends to be technology driven design. This session seeks to investigate philosophical, theoretical, and methodological frameworks for such design efforts. Papers are invited to continue the dialogue that was started on "The Design of Information Systems for Organizational Learning", at the 1989 ISSS Conference. In 1989 a number of papers examined information systems design issues related to "double-loop" learning, and some of the discussion extended to the question of "triple-loop" learning. In light of the 1990 Presidential theme, this extension is most appropriate. (Abstracts to: Bela A. Banathy, 38 Seca Place, Salinas, CA 93908 USA). 9. LIBERATING SYSTEMS THEORY The title "Liberating System Theory" (LST) has a double meaning P first, it points to a concern for the liberation of systems theory itself: (a) from its tendency towards self-imposed insularity; and (b) from internal isolationist stances, i.e., by bringing the variety of systems approaches to the fore at once. The second meaning is not exclusive from the first, i.e., we are concerned with using such systems theory for the liberation of "systems." These include persons from all forms of institutional, social and national and international groupings who, for whatever reasons or purposes, might benefit from liberation or emancipation. To this end we are seeking an approach to "truth" and "meaning" that is both "personally satisfying" and of "general utility". Issues that might be discussed, therefore include "complementarity of systems approaches" and "anti-reflexivity for systems research" and "liberation of 'systems' ('creed', 'race', 'sex', 'class', and so on...; on specific issues such as 'inherent elitism in the traditional use of systemic concepts', 'power maintenance in organizations', 'hunger' and so on...). (Abstracts to: R.L. Flood, Department of Management Systems and Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, HUG 7RX, United Kingdom). 10. MARXIST COMMUNISM AND WESTERNP STYLE CAPITALISM A just future is clearly tied to economic and political constraints. The world is witnessing a major transformation with the instability of Marxist communism. Yet the system to which it seems to be unstable, namely, Western capitalism is clearly unstable in a totally different way. In fact with its emphasis on accelerating consumption Western capitalism virtually feeds on instability with an apparently irrational and insatiable hunger the possible horrific ecological and human consequences of which are not now truly known. Clearly this is a situation of neither/nor; neither of these systems taken as they are presently operating is viable for the future. At present there is no viable vision for the future. Scholars of complexity, economics, political science and others interested in this critical issue are invited to contribute to this session. We seek to understand what the components to or constraints on a just and viable future might be, and at the most ambitious level we seek to image what the best of all possible future worlds might be. (Abstracts to: Gail Fleischaker, 76 Porter Street, Somerville, MA 02143 USA). 11. METAMODELING AND SYSTEM EPISTEMOLOGY The purpose of metamodeling is to promote and to encourage the study of inquiring systems of high levels of abstraction which serve as an epistemological design foundation for lower level modeling systems. We are particularly interested to study epistemological issues which relate to issues of design of the system of design. It is important to emphasize that metamodeling is to modeling what the process of 'learning to learn' is to 'learning', or what the process of 'decision making about decision making' is to 'decision making'. The nature of metamodeling is also described as the study of paradigmatic issues and systems of inquiry as they relate to the epistemological foundations of a scientific discipline. We entertain an interest in applications of metamodeling such as they pertain to the design of safety systems and management systems that avoid failures. We are interested in exploring the consequences of neglecting epistemological, metasystemic or metamodeling concerns in system design. Papers are invited from those who would like to explore these issues with us. (Abstracts to: John P. van Gigch, School of Business Administration, California State University, Sacramento, CA 95819 USA). 12. NONEQUILIBRIUM AND NONLINEAR PHENOMENA IN HEALTH AND DISEASE This session grows out of the "Nonequilibrium and Dissipative Structures in Systems" session held in Edinburgh and focuses on human systems at the level of individuals and families. We are exploring concepts of human health and disease in terms of concepts of nonequilibirum states and the role of randomness, irreversible processes, and development over time. Whether at the human biological level or at the level of family interactions, we seek to explore the promise of new models based on such phenomena that help provide new insights into the improvement of health in such systems. We welcome your participation in our endeavor. (Abstracts to: Mary Ann Walsh Eells, 12691 Quarter Road, Ellicot City, MD 21043 USA, Phone: (301) 531-3744). 13. ON THE PHILOSOPHY OF TRANSDISCIPLINARY THEORY (sponsored by the Emergence and Evolution Study Group) The search for good theories that explain the origins of new kinds of phenomena requires the existence of observables measurable on systems of multiple kinds. Entropy is typically offered as being measurable on systems of all kinds, but there is some dispute whether we are justified in using only thermodynamic entropy, or if we are free to consider other kinds of non-thermodynamic entropies which might or might not now a monotonic increase towards equilibrium. In this session we wish to consider: 1) the semantics of properties that are regarded as being applicable to systems of multiple kinds, such as entropy, order, organization, complexity, structure, constraint, dependence, information, randomness, variety, and uncertainty; and 2) the ontological status of non-thermodynamic entropies. (Abstracts to: Cliff Joslyn, Systems Science, SUNY Binghamton, Binghamton, N.Y. 13901 USA, Phone: (607) 729-5348, cjoslyn@bingvaxu.cc.binghamton.edu). 14. SYMBOLS AND DYNAMICS According to Richard Dawkins genes are "active", "striving" selfish entities, but to Howard Pattee they are rate-independent symbol strings that are thermodynamically neutral and thus meaningless and inert without dynamical systems to "read" them. For Pattee symbols and dynamics are complementary but irreducible components in what he calls symbol-matter systems, e.g., living and cultural systems. But as Leslie White has pointed out all symbols must have a physical form or else they could not enter our experience. Thus is it not more accurate to define symbols as just a very slow dynamic relative to a much faster one, the one that "reads" them? Further, do symbols "harness laws" (dynamics) as Pattee has claimed or do dynamics use or harness symbols which are just a particular kind of dynamic? Does the "word" deserve a separate ontological status of some kind, and is this status higher than that of physical law? Papers are solicited from those who would like to make a contribution to the resolution of these theoretical questions. Particularly relevant to the discussion in addition to the work of Pattee is the work of Robert Rosen; the work being produced by the Gibsonian school of perceptual psychology that challenges the Cartesian dualism of modern cognitive science; and the work of neural network theoreticians that have likewise challenged the computer/mind metaphor. Posters are particularly welcome. (Abstracts to: Gail Fleischaker, 76 Porter Street, Somerville, MA 02143 USA). 15. SYSTEMS APPROACHES TO PSYCHOLOGY/PSYCHIATRY This session focuses on cybernetics and system-theoretical concepts, models or theories that deal with psychological phenomena. Contributions are invited that show different types of cybernetic/systems applications to areas as diverse as industrial, clerical, education, economic, military, and social. We also encourage papers submitted on basic research in specific areas such as psychocybernetics, i.e., cybernetic concepts used to model the processes of the mind (e.g., motivation, decision-making, emotions, or cognition). (Abstracts to: M. Joseph Sirgy, Center for Strategy & Marketing Studies, Department of Marketing, VA Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA, Phone: (702) 231-5110, or Robert Langs, The Nathan Klein Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962 USA, Phone: (212) 799-1490). 16. THE SEARCH FOR SHARED SYSTEMS PROCESSES AND METHODS: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN THE NATURAL AND HUMAN APPLICATION SCIENCES One of the most challenging obstacles to achieving a unified systems science is the persistence of the chasm between natural system studies and human systems applications. The separation is due to more than the attitudes and expectations of C.P. Snow's "two cultures", it is due to past training, world views, values, residual anthropomorphism, territoriality, the separation of theory from praxis, and an inability or unwillingness to shift one's focus across time or scales of organization. Are these separations solely human-based or do they derive from real phenomenological differences? Continuing from the 14 papers presented in Edinburgh this session will begin with a public debate between a recognized advocate of human systems applications and one for natural systems science. The debate, however, will have unique rules. Following the usual presentation of positions, the advocates will switch positions and describe potential compromises from the others viewpoint. Several rounds of integrative iterations will follow. Papers are invited that develop the various positions, that explore in substantive detail a particular systems concept, process, or method found in both domains; or that further characterize the history, origins, or causes of the gap. (Abstracts to: Len Troncale, Institute for Advanced Systems Studies, College of Science, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768 USA). Submission Guidelines Deadline: Abstracts must be received by 20 January, 1990. The deadline will be strictly observed. Notification of acceptance will go out by 15 February along with submission guidelines and deadlines for papers to be published in the proceedings. Page Charge: Only papers from participants who have paid their registration fee will be considered for publication in the proceedings. Assuming acceptance after review, participants are entitled to have one paper of seven pages, and one abstract of one page published without charge. Abstracts are published for posters, and for "works in progress" (contributions that individuals may wish to make to various sessions where he/she does not want to produce a formal paper). Participants may have additional work published at a charge of $10 (ten dollars) per page for an accepted paper, or $15 (fifteen dollars) for an accepted abstract. These fees are designed to help offset the cost of printing. If you are making more than one submission please xerox the form below, follow the instructions and attach one signed copy with each submission. IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR MULTIPLE SUBMISSION FORM In the space provided on the form please do the following: % List the total number of abstracts submitted complete with title and name of session to which you have made each submission, and in each case whether you are requesting an oral or poster presentation. % Indicate if accepted whether you would like to have the full paper published or just the abstract (if you are submitting an abstract for a poster then only the abstract will be printed). % For papers submitted for oral presentations, please indicate if you would be willing at the organizer's discretion to make your presentation as a poster. % Please copy this form, sign, and attach to each submission. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MULTIPLE SUBMISSION FORM Name Address Affiliation Phone Fax Bitnet I understand that there will be a charge of $10 per page for all papers published after the first, and a charge of $15 per abstract for each abstract published after the first. Signed Date ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 34th Annual Meeting of the INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE SYSTEMS SCIENCES Portland, Oregon 8-13 July, 1990 ISSS Q CALL FOR SYMPOSIA TOPICS Symposia fall into two main areas, those specifically designed to address the President's theme "Designing Just Systems for Future Generations", and those that may or not address the theme but are not explicitly designed to do so. Symposia that do not fall into the theme category are expected to address important new scientific developments relevent to the Society's overall aim of furthering general systems theory. Those wishing to organize a symposium should define a topic, identify potential contributors, and submit a proposal for review. All things equal, those who have demonstrated their ability to organize successful paper sessions or other programs in the past will be given priority. The deadline for submission is November 15. Proposals for theme symposia should be sent to: Bela H. Banathy, 25781 Morse Drive, Carmel, CA 93923 USA, Phone: (408) 625-3178; and for non-theme symposia to: Gail Fleischaker, 76 Porter Street, Sommerville, MA 02143 USA). -- Good health is merely the slowest rate at which one can die.