Abstract
This paper discusses the meaning and application of the term "cyborg." It argues that human beings who use the Internet, machines, pacemakers, heart implants or prosthetics are not cyborgs. Instead, it suggests that the contrary assertion is indicative of a corruption of language and thought as human beings enter the new world of 21st century neuronic technology. The paper analyzes this thesis and assertion.

From the Paper
"It is both curious and instructive that the Greek origin of the word "organic" means "tool" or "instrument", hardly relevant to the current sense of "organic foods" or an organic lifestyle. In fact it construes closely to the definition of a cyborg, "a term condensed from 'cybernetic organism'...typically defined as an entity comprising organic as well as machine parts and information circuits" (Soufoulis, 2002, p.88). The definition co-opts the modern invasive meaning that enables Donna Haraway to "proclaim[s] the cyborg as an identity: "By the late twentieth century, our time, a mythic time, we are all chimeras, theorized and fabricated hybrids of machine and organism; in short we are cyborgs. The cyborg is our ontology; it gives us our politics" (Soufoulis, 2002, p.88)."

Tags:organic, machine, Internet, circuit, lifestyle

Abstract
This paper is a review of Anthony McCreery's essay "Cybernetic Culture: An Analysis of the Impact of 'Cybernetic Films" and how McCreery analyzes whether these films can be used to understand contemporary culture.

From the Paper
"Until recently, cybernetics has been confined to the realm of science and technological study. However, the impact of cybernetics, and more specifically second-order cybernetics, has gradually become apparent in areas such as mainstream film and literature. Popular movies such as "The Matrix," "Being John Malkovich," "Fight Club," and "The Terminator" illustrate the growing influence of cybernetic theory on popular culture. In his essay "Cybernetics and Culture: An Analysis of the Impact of "Cybernetic Films," Anthony McCreery uses modern films to analyze whether or not cybernetics is an appropriate ideology for understanding contemporary culture."

Tags:cinema, cybernetics, maturana, order, second, weiner, popular, culture

Abstract
This paper details the published research relating to human communication analysis, based on intra-personal, interpersonal and group interaction. This paper details Gregory Bateson's perception and definition of second-order cybernetics which illustrates an interactive system wherein the individual is constantly in relation with his or her own social environment. This paper analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative realities objectified in the field of cybernetics. The writer of this paper contends and explains the manner in which cybernetics objectively looks into the social phenomenon of being studied, noting its nature and dynamics through subjective measures. This paper examines and explains the reasoning behind Bateson's cybernetics learning process, as detailed in his book "Steps to an Ecology of Mind." This paper also delves into Bateson's discovery which clearly identifies the processes involved while interacting with the self, another communicator and other people from varying cultures and with different values.

From the Paper
"While in Learning I the individual is just learning and developing communication skills, in Learning II, s/he must now be able to identify acts and meanings that belong or do not belong to his/her culture. As exemplified earlier, distinguishing between the different actions in which agreement or disagreement are expressed is a manifestation of learning at the second level, where the communicator now commits action based on the context or situation s/he is in. Thus, when the individual is in a Middle Eastern society, it is essential to adopt the culture's communication action of agreement and disagreement, which is opposite to the individual's American culture and upbringing. These adjustments made by the communicator is an illustration of contextualization, the commitment of proper actions and meanings in an altogether different culture and society."

Tags:communication, culture, research, perception, linguistics, cybernetics, book, review

Abstract
This paper discusses cybernetic communication theory or the communication systems theory. The paper explains that while communication systems theory still relies to one degree or another on the foundational theory of semiotics as found in the work of Barthes and Saussure, it takes a broader view of communication. The paper discusses how systems theory in communication study recognizes that communication is not so much reliant on its component parts because these component parts typically lack the meaning of what is being communicated. The paper shows how systems theory understands that meaning and what is being conveyed, as well as how it is being conveyed from point to point, is more important in terms of actual communication processes. The paper devotes time to the idea that communication does not take place in the sterile environment of the semiotician's academic environment but rather in the highly integrated context of the community.

From the Paper
"This document discusses Cybernetic Communication theory or the communication systems theory. While communication systems theory still relies to one degree or another on the foundational theory of semiotics as found in the work of Barthes and Saussure, it takes a broader view of communication. The distinction is that semiotics attempts to deconstruct language and communication to its component level and systems theory attempts to move language and communication upward into a greater system of information flow and movement. Systems theory in communication study recognizes that communication is not so much reliant on its component..."

Tags:cybernetic, communication, theory

Abstract
This paper describes how the rapid growth rate in computer technology could eventually lead to the total replacement of humans, since human beings are not able to advance as fast as computers. The author argues that regardless of software designed to halt the potential uprising of technology, society must be wary because with such rapid advancements it is possible that eventually computers will be capable of making their own decisions.

From the Paper
"Nietzsche once said, "barbarians in every terrible sense of the word, men of prey who were still in possession of unbroken strength of will and lust for power, hurled themselves upon weaker, more civilized, more peaceful races." (Kaufman) Man wants to be master, but with intelligence being instilled into computers, the obedient servant could one day outlive and outsmart its creator. Could machines once dependent on the programming of man, become autonomous, thereby making its creator obsolete?
"Man's weakness is the result of his emotions. Computers lack these basal functions. A computer void of fear, pressure, or pain could become a machine of proficient skill. If a computer, void of emotions, becomes highly developed, it can become capable of functioning at its own level. It could make a decision that all humans are obsolete, thus wanting to eradicate their existence.
"A machine that is capable of thinking for itself could be a force to be reckoned with. The potential for its upward growth is limitless. Why? Because man is always needing to modify. It is said by Nietzsche, "For every drive wants to master." (Kaufman) This could one day be true for computers. They are being created to multitask, taking on components that people on a basic level cannot compete with."

Tags:computers humans nietzsche technology, ultraintelligent machine

Abstract
The paper relates that information theory uses a combination of epistemology, axiology, and cybernetics to explain communication and its processes. The paper explains that while most of the theory explains communication through uncompromising numbers and mathematics, the axiological approach uses values and choice to explain relationships. Nonetheless, the paper relates that cybernetics was the first concept in information theory and was conceived over five decades ago in an attempt to reduce communication to a science.

From the Paper
"Information theory uses a combination of epistemology, axiology, and cybernetics to explain and communication and its processes. While most of the theory explains communication through uncompromising numbers and mathematics, the axiological approach uses values and choice to explain..."

Tags:information, cybernetics, theory

Abstract
This paper discusses James Lovelock's book, "Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth", and his scientific perspective of the earth as a self sustaining organism with all systems within the earth being part of the of the self sustaining organism that is earth itself. The paper provides a chapter by chapter review of the book that takes us from the introduction of the book, through the recognition of Gaia to the issues concerning the physical makeup of the planet.

Outline:
Introduction
In the Beginning
The Recognition of Gaia
Cybernetics
The Contemporary Atmosphere
The Sea
Gaia and Man, the Problem of Pollution
Living within Gaia
Epilogue

From the Paper
"The beginning of earth is both an indication of the instinctive or natural process by which earth came to exist, and the process by which Gaia came to fortify herself or program herself for survival. There is indeed a mechanistic undertone to this chapter, as the maintenance of the balance biosphere is a physical and incredibly complex mathematical process to scientists, but an instinctive and perfect process in nature for Gaia. The chapter builds upon the introductory premise that the perfection of earth's atmosphere as a highly unlikely occurrence, the synchronization of natural forces that gave rise to life and development of this planet. While faith-based individuals simply call this God, and science seeks to analyze and identify all the processes in evolution, Lovelock refers to it as Gaia, the notion that is earth and acts in a way that is perfect for survival and evolution, and gives rise to our complex natural evolution state of existence."

Tags:Cybernetics, sea, pollution

Abstract
In this article, the writer deals with a detailed overview of the nine theory categories as stated in the works of S.W. Littlejohn regarding communication. The theories and sub-theories involved with each of the nine categories of communication theories are discussed, as well as the premises and important concepts of each theory. The writer notes that the theories in the nine sections on Littlejohn's comprehensive guide allow for more understanding and interpretation into the vast subject of communication. The writer points out that they add to an already great database of academic knowledge that will ultimately lead to greater understanding of the most basic human tool, communication. The writer maintains that this detailed guide is the best way to understand and explain these communication theories.

Outline:
Introduction
Theory
Communication Theories: System Theory
Information Theory
Cybernetics
Communication Theories: Signs and Language
Semantic Theory
Syntactic Theory
Communication Theories: Discourse
Communication Theories: Message Production
Communication Theories: Message Reception
Communication Theories: Symbolic Interaction, Structuration, and Convergence
Communication Theories:Social & Cultural Reality
Communication Theories: Experience and Interpretation
Critical Theories
Conclusion

From the Paper
"It is important to understand the function that theory has in communication. According to Cohen, the main purpose of any theory is to create a solution for a problem. Theories should therefore, primarily aim to solve problems. This means that the theory presented and used for a certain purpose can be evaluated by determining the importance of the problem that it addresses and the ability of the solution to solve the problem."
"In general it is accepted that theories address a few types of problems. They are, according to Laudan, empirical problems and conceptual problems, as well as the category named by Cohen as practical problems."

Tags:cybernetics, semantic, syntactic, conversation, information

Abstract
Identifies six topic areas and concerns of IS needing research. Describes rationale for conducting research. The many disciplines that constitute IS; disciplines of information (artificial intelligence, computer science, cybernetics & more). Working with IS building blocks of power-knowledge & productive tools. New developments in IS. Issues of ethical conduct. Technological concerns.

From the Paper
"In the wake of the Information Technology (IT) revolution, the field of information science (IS) has emerged and very quickly become an increasingly significant academic as well as practical discipline. Recently, the American Society for Information Science (ASIS) held a summit meeting in Boston. Richard Zwies (2000) described the results of this summit meeting as constituting a critical event in the development of the field of information architecture, which encompasses system design and development, information retrieval, graphic design, knowledge of organizational and user behavior, and skills in the area of existing and emerging technologies. Though IS is a relatively new discipline, it has quickly generated a myriad number of studies that attempt to identify the most critical areas needing research and/or refinement as the field itself advances. The purpose of..."

Abstract
This paper is an objective observation of the development of the human species. It discusses the implications and effects of the principals of cybernetics based on spontaneous emergence of an international neural network of interconnectivity which is swiftly evolving to being of equivalence to a global consciousness and its exponential growth. It explores the evident implications of systemic development and growth of the internet as an international forum of connectivity and its direct effect on the species with views of its systemic principals, their interaction and the potential threat of external moderation of such information distribution.

From the Paper
"As time progresses the accessibility of the Internet is situating itself in a form of networking which allows a vaster quantity of people to 'get connected' every day and the forced moderation of the Internet has potentially dire consequences. This paper shall outlay the physical emergence of a neural network of interconnectivity, the implications of its overview and of the downward trend of the species, stipulating negative trends towards any form of inherent obligations to genetic selective retention."

Tags:knowledge, internet, data, network, traffic, asymmetric, transitions, molecular, nanotechnology