The Use and Abuse of Vegetational Concepts Ecology, Technology, and Society-All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace /
"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 ega...
| Other Authors: | BBC Worldwide Ltd., Films for the Humanities & Sciences (Firm), Infobase. |
|---|---|
| Format: | Video |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
New York, N.Y. :
Infobase,
[2012], c2011.
|
| Physical Description: |
1 streaming video file (52 min.) : sd., col., digital file. |
| Series: |
All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace.
|
| Subjects: |
| Summary: |
"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. |
|---|---|
| Item Description: |
Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on February 01, 2012. Films on Demand is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware. Self-Organizing Networks (2:23) -- Brain as Machine (1:41) -- Ecosystems (2:03) -- System Dynamics (2:29) -- Man-Machine System (1:43) -- Cybernetics and Ecosystems (2:20) -- Misuse of Data (0:45) -- Disappearance of Biology (1:16) -- Buckminster Fuller (2:16) -- Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth (1:52) -- Rise of the Counterculture (1:01) -- Counterculture Communes (1:34) -- Communes: Group Stabilization (1:26) -- Personal Computers (2:57) -- World as Cybernetic System (2:12) -- Politics and World Collapse (1:49) -- Holism and British Empire (2:27) -- Web of Life (1:40) -- Ecological Beliefs Upset (1:28) -- Fluctuations in Nature (1:24) -- History of Ecosystems (3:59) -- Illusion of Balance of Nature (2:25) -- Self-Organizing Network (1:47) -- Dream of the Sixties (1:48) -- Power and Failure (2:43) -- Limitations of the Self-Organizing Model (1:32) -- Credits: The Use and Abuse of Vegetational Concepts: Ecology, Technology, and Society-All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace (0:47) Access requires authentication through Films on Demand. "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. 9 & up. Mode of access: Internet. System requirements: FOD playback platform. |
| Physical Description: |
1 streaming video file (52 min.) : sd., col., digital file. |
| Format: |
Mode of access: Internet. System requirements: FOD playback platform. |
| Audience: |
9 & up. |
| Access: |
Access requires authentication through Films on Demand. |