Cybernetic Historiography (Histories & counter-histories)

In this KNoT, we explore cybernetic methods for exploring the practice of history from a systems point-of-view. Specifically, you will learn ways to both analyse the common, dominant narratives that compose our historical self-understanding and ways in which to generate different perceptions of events, uncover hidden stories and voices, and plot alternative paths forward.

The methods we will consider include:

• Teleology – the idea of purpose
• Recursion – the idea of loops, circular causality, feedback
• Requisite variety – the idea of how complex phenomena are managed
• Futures – the idea of alternative histories and new paths

This is one of 4 Cybernetics for social impact KNoTs offered.

Apply cybernetic methods for generating new narratives/stories

Reflection prompt: What new insights have you gained in relation to how our assumptions and dominant narratives create stories/histories and how we can generate new/alternative ones.