The Use and Abuse of Vegetational Concepts
Description
"The balance of nature" is a widely-held belief that ecosystems function cooperatively rather than hierarchically, gradually adjusting for change - a concept that was co-opted by early computer scientists and hippies alike. This program examines that concept and how its mechanistic but egalitarian philosophy came to permeate the zeitgeist of the mid-20th century, only to be debunked later on as history proceeded to show that systems without leaders have a tendency to fail. The video features commentary from influential systems scientist Jay Forrester; footage of Buckminster Fuller, who popularized eco-cybernetic concepts; and former commune members discussing the limitations of applying computer theory to interpersonal behavior.
Runtime
52 min
Series
Subjects
- Cyberspace (95)
- Science (827)
- Social movements (245)
- Technology (1161)
- Information society (81)
- Collective behavior (206)
- Political sociology (90)
- Environmental sciences (779)
Geography
Genre
Date of Publication
[2012], c2011
Database
Films on Demand
Direct Link
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