What Can We Learn From Internal Observers

Specific methodological problems arise when systems totally different from our common experience are to be explored. Examples are microphysical or astrophysical systems, but also foreign cultures. Internal observers are human researchers or technical devices that are sent into the interior of such a system in order to analyze it and to report about it later. Particular problems and characteristic errors are due to inadequate and incongruent frames of representation. These problems are discussed in detail, partly using analogies from cultural anthropology. Some consequences are derived referring to an appropriate preparation of internal observers as well as to the reception of possible findings.

[1]  André Fuhrmann,et al.  The Logic of Theory Change , 1991, Lecture Notes in Computer Science.

[2]  Axel Brandenburg,et al.  Complexity in inhomogeneous chaotic systems , 1994 .

[3]  Franz Boas,et al.  The Mind of Primitive Man , 1912 .

[4]  Eytan Domany,et al.  Models of Neural Networks I , 1991 .

[5]  Peter Gärdenfors,et al.  Belief Revision , 1995 .

[6]  John L. Casti,et al.  Searching for Certainty , 1990 .

[7]  Thomas R. H. Havens.  Nishi Amane and modern Japanese thought , 1971 .

[8]  K. Köpping.  Feldforschung als emanzipatorischer Akt? Der Ethnologe als Vermittler von Innen- und Aussensicht , 1984 .

[9]  Heinz Zemanek.  Das geistige Umfeld der Informationstechnik , 1992 .

[10]  E. Grünfeld.  Die Peripheren : ein Kapitel Soziologie , 1939 .

[11]  Harald Atmanspacher,et al.  Pragmatic information and dynamical instabilities in a multimode continuous-wave dye laser , 1990 .

[12]  J. Kurths,et al.  Complexity and meaning in nonlinear dynamical systems , 1992 .

[13]  H. Atmanspacher,et al.  Epilogue: Dualities, Context, and Meaning , 1991 .

[14]  Magoroh Maruyama.  Endogenous Research vs. Delusions of Relevance and Expertise Among Exogenous Academics , 1974 .

[15]  Hans Primas,et al.  Time-asymmetric phenomena in biology , 1992 .

[16]  Magoroh Maruyama.  Epistemology of Social Science Research: exploration in inculture researchers , 1969 .

[17]  M. Polanyi.  Chapter 7 – The Tacit Dimension , 1997 .

[18]  Alan Barnard,et al.  Emics and Etics: The Insider/Outsider Debate , 1990 .