2002day.year
Heinz von Foerster
(1911 - 2002)
Austrian-American physicist and philosopher
Austrian-American physicist and philosopher
Heinz von Foerster was an Austrian-American physicist and philosopher recognized as a pioneer of cybernetics.
Heinz von Foerster was born in 1911 in Vienna and earned his doctorate in physics before fleeing Europe during World War II. He conducted research in Argentina before moving to the United States, where he became a professor at the University of Illinois. Von Foerster is credited with founding the field of second-order cybernetics, emphasizing the observer's role in systems. He made significant contributions to information theory, electromagnetic fields, and the philosophy of science. His interdisciplinary work influenced fields ranging from cognitive science to systems theory. Von Foerster also co-founded the Biological Computer Laboratory, fostering collaborative research until its closure in 1974. He passed away on October 2, 2002, leaving a lasting impact on the study of complex systems.
2002
Heinz von Foerster