Constructivist Foundations

Volume 1 · Number 1 · Pages 35–48

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People, Tools, and Agency: Who Is the Kybernetes?

Herbert F. J. Müller

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Abstract

Purpose: This conceptual-epistemological paper deals with the old problem of inversion of thinking, as typified by traditional metaphysics-ontology. It is proposed that a thorough constructivism – which views structures of mind, nature, and all, as not derived from (not referring to) any pre-structured given mind-independent reality (zero-derivation, 0-D) – can go beyond this conceptual impasse; it can also serve as a fall-back position for positive ontologies. Practical implications: The practical result of 0-D is that all structures of experience are understood as tools serving individual and collective subjects. Conclusion: This conceptual correction results in a simplification for the understanding of some conceptual puzzles, such as the mind-brain relation, but also in a considerable increase of responsibility, because entities and agents formerly considered responsible, and outside the mind, are recognized to be extensions of the subjects.

Key words: Inversion of experience, 0-D constructivism, problem of metaphysics-ontology, mind-brain relation

Citation

Müller H. F. J. (2005) People, tools, and agency: Who is the kybernetes? Constructivist Foundations 1(1): 35–48. http://constructivist.info/1/1/035

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