The Beginning of Heaven and Earth Has No Name

This book presents an engaging overview of Heinz von Foerster's influential cybernetic ideas, showcasing his unique approach to observation and cognition.

Heinz von Foerster, a pioneering figure in the realm of second-order cybernetics, introduces a paradigm where the investigator is seen as an integral part of the system being studied. The Beginning of Heaven and Earth Has No Name serves as a comprehensive and approachable exploration of von Foerster's cybernetic theories, stripped of complex mathematics. This work distills a wealth of thought from his extensive career, making it accessible to a wider audience while capturing the essence of his philosophical insights.

The book unfolds through a series of engaging dialogues that took place during a week-long conversation between the editors and von Foerster towards the end of his life. These discussions illuminate how his concept of second-order cybernetics reshapes our understanding of various topics, including emergence, cognition, and communication. The format not only showcases von Foerster's brilliance as a thinker but also his charm as a storyteller, providing readers with a richer experience of his ideas.

The Beginning of Heaven and Earth Has No Name offers an invaluable resource for those seeking to grasp the depth of von Foerster’s contributions to cybernetics and philosophy. It invites readers to reflect on the intricate relationship between observer and observed, ultimately enriching the discourse surrounding bio-cybernetics and the nature of thought itself.