527 México. Call for papers. International Sociological Association. 8th International Conference of Sociocybernetics. COMPLEX SOCIAL SYSTEMS, INTERDISCIPLINARITY AND WORLD FUTURES

8th International Conference of Sociocybernetics

COMPLEX SOCIAL SYSTEMS, INTERDISCIPLINARITY AND WORLD FUTURES

Ciudad de México, MÉXICO 24-28 June 2008

Call for Papers

Using interdisciplinary approaches to the study of social systems is a central concern in sociocybernetics. For present purposes, a complex social system can be defined as one in which the processes that determine its operation result from the convergence of multiple factors interacting in such a way that the system is not decomposable into constituent disciplinary perspectives. Therefore, no complex social system can be described by simply adding independent studies over each of its components. “The non decomposability of a complex system is due to what we have called the interdefinibility of its components. The research of that system is performed by a multi-disciplinary team, with a working methodology that must attain an inter-disciplinary integration”. (García, Rolando, Sistemas complejos). It follows that the difference between a multidisciplinary and an interdisciplinary research team lies in the integration of the latter on the basis of

common conceptual and methodological frameworks..

Discipline-integrating conceptual/methodological frameworks are not available ready made. Particular solutions may require different approaches. The question arises as to how far it is possible to generalize over these different approaches. The conference will provide a dialogical space for knowledge construction and discussion addressing epistemological, theoretical and methodological aspects of interdisciplinarity in the course of the study of complex social systems. Presentations of examples of empirical using interdisciplinary approaches are particularly welcomed.

The conference also aims to elicit interdisciplinary discussion and debate about possible world futures by bringing together the views and research findings of sociologists, economists, technologists, ecologists, historians, political scientists, psychologists, anthropologists and other natural and social science specialists to reflect on different societal development paths and their desirability.

Other papers with an explicit sociocybernetic orientation are also welcomed, especially those addressing topics specific to Latin America.

Venue and Accommodation:

The International Conference of Sociocybernetics will take place in Centro Histórico in Mexico City (Downtown). http://www.ciudadmexico.com.mx/espectaculos.htm

See map below.

Centro Histórico Map:

1. Templo Mayor

2. Cathedral

3. National Palace

4. Supreme Court of Justice

5. D.F. Government

6. Santo Domingo Church

7. S.E.P./La Encarnación

8. San Ildefonso Museum

9. San Carlos Academy

10. La Merced Cloister

11. City Museum

12. Sor Juana Cloister

13. San Agustín Church

14. San Francisco Church

15. Iturbide Palace

16. House of Tiles

17. Latin-American Tower

18. Postal Main Office

19. Palace of Mining

20. Nat. Museum of Art

21. Franz Mayer Museum

Benito Juárez International Airport is located at 30 minutes from Downtown.

Hotel facilities are still under negotiation.

Additional information will be sent on this respect.

CONFERENCE FEES:

Conference fees are for:

– RC51 Non-members 100 Euro/1500 MXN

– RC51 associate members (non-ISA): 50 Euro/750 MXN

– RC51 regular members in good standing (ISA and RC51): No fee

In special cases (e.g., students) exemptions can be granted upon request.

SESSIONS AND LANGUAGES:

The official languages of the Conference will be English and Spanish. In this conference we want to increase the interest and participation of Latin American scholars. Specific sessions in Spanish language will be organized.

However, in order to facilitate the review process and communication, all abstracts must be submitted in English. Final papers in Spanish should therefore include an English version of both title and abstract.

ABSTRACTS AND THE REVIEW PROCESS:

Please submit a 500 to 1000 word detailed abstract for the review process and for assignment to a particular session. In addition, 250 word regular abstracts are needed for the Conference Programme and Abstracts booklet and for publication on the RC51 website.

All abstracts should be sent to the Chair of the Abstracts Committee, Karl-Heinz Simon simon@usf.uni-kassel.de and to the Conference Coordinator, Margarita Maass maass@labcomplex.net.

DEADLINES:

• • February, 22, 2008: 500-1000 word detailed abstracts

April, 11, 2008: Notification of acceptance.

May, 2, 2008: 250 word regular abstracts.

May, 16, 2008: Registration

June, 13, 2008: Full paper for presentation on the RC51 website.

CONTACTS AND INFORMATION:

For any further questions and information, please consult the RC51 website at http://www.unizar.es/sociocybernetics/ . You may also directly contact any of the members of the International Organizing Committee or the Coordinator of the National Organizing Committee.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:

Bernard Scott, President RC51 B.C.E.scott@cranfield.ac.uk

Chaime Marcuello, Secretary RC51 chaime@posta.unizar.es

Eva Buchinger, Vice-President RC51 eva.buchinger@arcs.ac.at

Karl-Heinz Simon simon@usf.uni-kassel.de

Michael Paetau michael.paetau@sociocybernetics.eu

NATIONAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:

• • • • • Dr. Margarita Maass (Coordinator) UNAM rc51mexico@labcomplex.net

• • • • • Tel: + 5255 56230449

• • • • • Fax: + 5255 56162988

• • • • • Dr. José Amozurrutia UNAM amoz@labcomplex.net

• • • • • Dr. Jorge A. González UNAM jorge@labcomplex.net

Please forward the Call for Papers to your friends and colleagues who may be interested in attending the conference.