16th International Conference of Sociocybernetics ISA-RC51

Presentation

Traditionally, the RC51 community in sociocybernetics, part of the International Association of Sociology (ISA), meets yearly in a special place somewhere on the globe. In these meetings we have interesting discussions about the theory, practice, and application of sociocybernetics and its ability to observe, understand and try to overcome the pressing needs of society.

With the postponement of our ISA 2020 FORUM participation due to COVID19, the RC51 Board proposes to maintain our annual conference in a new, creative and practical way; one in which participants can maintain dialogues and help each other understand the pandemic and its possible future implications.

As such the RC51 Board present here a proposal for a virtual conference, one that is simple but charged with energy and in which the active participation of all members and people who wish to learn about sociocybernetics can be expected.

Important dates

June 15th, 2020         Registration opens for general audience.

July 6th, 2020         Deadline for abstract submission for authors proposals

July 7th, 2020            Acceptance communication

July 12th                     Deadline for author´s video

July 14-16: 2020       16th International Conference of Sociocybernetics (online)

Conference Fee
No fee

Programme

Day 1 - Introducing sociocybernetics: widening systemic perspectives.

Tuesday, July 14 - 12:00 - 14:30h UTC Chair of session: Raija Kolskinen

In this first online session, the RC51 Members will introduce basic sociocybernetics ideas, concepts, authors, and tools to a wider audience. The goal is for participants to engage with sociocybernetics in a friendly way to discuss: a) what is sociocybernetics and b) how is it useful for analytical purposes. Online materials (video & readings) will be recommended to watch beforehand. Selected members of RC51 will create ad hoc video clips to support this introductory session. The online session will be directed to discuss such materials and the participants’ perspectives on the relevance of sociocybernetics for today societal challenges. This session will be oriented particularly towards young sociologists and researchers who want to know more about sociocybernetics.

 

Day 2 - COVID-19: A Second order observation

Wednesday, July 15, 12:00 - 14:30h UTC Chair of the session: Chaime Marcuello

This session focuses on systemic analysis and/or sociocybernetics observations and reflections of COVID-19 around the world. Through short contributions previously submitted and selected, participants will be able to compare and contrast different perspectives on the pandemic. The goal is to share observational and analytical experiences using sociocybernetics and system thinking as a framework. You can participate by sending an abstract or as part of the audience.

 

Day 3 – A manifesto for Sociocybernetics 

Thursday, July 16 - 12:00 - 14:30h UTC.  Chair of the session: Luciano Gallón

 

This is a participatory session, open to all, to discuss the core concepts and methodologies of sociocybernetics. Through an online collaborative writing process, the goal is to produce a short reference document about “core” sociocybernetics principals, relevant for the analysis of sociological and interdisciplinary work in contemporary times. By signing up to this session you will be able to be part and/or witness this collaborative definition.

How can I participate in the conference?

 

You can participate presenting a paper.

  1. Sending your abstract to be reviewed by the scientific committee
  2. Register for the conference
  3. If accepted, create a video (5 minutes max) presenting your topic and proposal.
  4. Participate in the sessions. The audience will have had access to your video beforehand, so in the sessions we all be able to give feedback and expanding the debate.

 

As active audience:

  1. Register for the conference
  2. Check out the author’s videos that will be accessible before the conference
  3. Give feedback! Ask questions and post comments in the online session.
  4. Participate in the follow-up of a specific topic with the author and in the collaborative work during the sessions.

 

 

Notes: Due to the format, we will only be able to accept up to a maximum of 30 videos to be selected and discussed during the conference. Selection will be made by the International Scientific Committee who will select upon: a) relevance to the conference scope, b) reference to systemic and/or sociocybernetic perspectives.

 

In order to have a representation of ISA’s different languages we welcome abstracts and videos in Spanish, French and English. However, a literal translation into English has to be provided in order to facilitate attendee’s language captions. The online sessions will be held in English.

Organizing Committee:

Patricia E. ALMAGUER KALIXTO, Universidad de Zaragoza (Spain)
Raija KOSKINEN, Häme University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
Manuel MEZA CUERVO, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (México)
Martina RAPONI, Noiserr (Netherlands)
Luciano GALLÓN, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (Colombia).
Chaime MARCUELLO, Universidad de Zaragoza (Spain)
Andrew MITCHELL, Kumamoto University (Japan)

International Scientific committee:

Bernard SCOTT, (RC51-ISA Past President) (UK)
Bernd HORNUNG, (RC51--ISA Past President) (Germany)
Eva BUCHINGER, (AIT Austrian Institute of Technology) (Austria)
Toru TAKAHASHI, Chuo University (Japan)
Saburo AKAHORI, Tokyo Woman’s Christian University (Japan)
Fabio GIGLIETTO, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo” (Italy)
Joaquin CASTILLO DE MESA (Universidad de Málaga)