Arthur Battram shared some very good examples of autopoiesis and gave some
very good explanations.
I would like to offer the readers of this list my understanding of
autopiesis and what could be some implications for undeerstanding systems.
I studied with Fernando Flores and in the book "Understanding computers
and Cognition" which he co authored with Terry Winograd, they use
Maturana's and Varela's biology of cognition (which includes autopoiesis,
evolution, and learning page 44) as one of the key dimensions of designing
a new foundation for computers, management,and organizations. Many people
have found this book a groundbreaking book but difficult to read or
understand. (those of us who were Flores students in one of his courses
used this book and the tree of knowledge as the core readings for
designing a new ontology of human beings and organizations). I have also
had the pleasure to study with Humberto Maturana and with other students
of his. Maturana besides being a biologist also considers himself a social
philosopher and many of his books in spanish deal with designing more
humane social systems and bringing forth a new type of democratic and
matristic society.
My offer is limited to answering your questions and pointing you to how
you can continue to learn about the issues raised by autopoiesis and
related topics. There are others in the list, like McMaster who has used
maturana and Varela's work in his writing.
Manuel Manga
Organization design consultant
< 0007015296 @mcimail.com>
--Manuel Manga <0007015296@mcimail.com>
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>