ID Scheda #9778
- Sezione
- Critica
- Tipo di risorsa
- articolo su periodico culturale
- Autore
- Appignanesi, Laura
- Titolo
- Two-sided form, differentiation and second-order observation in Escher's artworks and Calvino's stories
- Titolo del periodico
- Kybernetes
- Specifiche del periodico
- XLIX, 48
- Data di pubblicazione
- 2019
- Pagine
- 1060-1077
- Note
- Appignanesi, Laura 1; Email Address: l.appignanesi@univpm.it; Affiliation: 1: Faculty of Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Source Info: 2019, Vol. 48 Issue 5, p1060; Subject Term: ETERNITY; Author-Supplied Keyword: Calvino; Author-Supplied Keyword: Cybernetics; Author-Supplied Keyword: Differentiation; Author-Supplied Keyword: Escher; Author-Supplied Keyword: Imaginary; Author-Supplied Keyword: Luhmann; Author-Supplied Keyword: Second-order observation; Author-Supplied Keyword: Systems theory; Author-Supplied Keyword: Two-sided forms; People: CALVINO, Italo, 1923-1985; Number of Pages: 18p; Document Type: Article; Full Text Word Count: 9604
- Lingua
- inglese
- Paese di pubblicazione
- Regno Unito
- Abstract
- Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to find a leading idea of the mid-twentieth century, demonstrating the pervasive nature of some concepts belonging to second-order systems theory. To achieve this objective, the paper looks at the art and literature of this era, to identify the principles developed by Luhmann in his late works. In particular, Escher's drawings, Calvino's stories and Luhmann's concepts seem to express, in different ways, the same functioning mechanism of the complex social system. Design/methodology/approach: With reference to theoretical approach and methodology, this paper carries out an interdisciplinary demonstration by alternative modes of logos and mythos. Some of the pillars of general systems theory are examined through the logical articulation of concepts developed by Spencer-Brown, von Foerster, and first of all through the late works of Luhmann, as well as through the analysis of Escher's artworks and Calvino's literary works. This paper interprets these artistic and literary works using cybernetic principles and systemic concepts, in particular, "two-sided forms," "system–environment differentiation" and "second-order observation." Findings: In general, the main finding is the similarity of fascination with paradoxes and forms, with post-ontological reasoning, in twentieth century. The result of the cross-reading of Escher, Calvino and Luhmann reveals the presence of what Simmel called the "hidden king": a philosophical paradigm of an era. In mid-1900s, this leading idea seems to express itself in the discoveries of biology and cybernetics, such as in Luhmann's theory, art and literature. Escher's drawings, Calvino's stories and the concepts of Luhmann are projections of second-order system theory, in its constructivist value. Originality/value: The originality of this paper lies mainly in the demonstration of theoretical concepts through the alternative modes of logos and mythos. These reflections can provide a new perspective to investigate social sciences from a cultural angle. This particular approach allows a deep awareness of the theory. The concrete value is to provide a better understanding to manage complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Kybernetes is the property of Emerald Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)