What Do Researchers in IEEE's Society on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Focus On?

[Constantinos]

Hey!

IEEE seems to have a society about cybernetics.
http://www.ieeesmc.org/technicalcommittess/index.html

I was wondering, what these people do research on? Is it a well defined subject or more of a collection of theories? Is it mathematics, computer science and software engineering or does it involve any physics or physics based engineering? Are there master's programs that offer courses on that, or is it of a more interdisciplinary character? Does it correspond to a job title?

I'm quite interested in Cybernetics and Systems Science because the mathematical theories that comprise them seem to aid in explaining so many interesting phenomena of daily life from so many sciences ranging all the way from physics to sociology. (I haven't really delved into this philosophy fully to support this claim, but from all the sources I read this seems to be true) Also the idea of using science and mathematics to design machines and programs to augment our power of using information efficiently, and using that power to make better science and mathematics and using them to create even better such technology (in a never ending feedback loop) is something that has been fascinating me since my days in school for some reason!

I'm thus thinking of getting a master's degree on some relevant subject. I'm about to get a degree in Computer and Telecommunications Engineering next year so I'm thinking about it from now. What I'm most afraid of is that studying such theories is useless in the real world (not much demand) or that Systems Science ends up remaining a loosely interconnected collection of theories and further specialization is demanded. So I'm asking of your opinion on the subject.

Thank you!

 

[TonyG]

Hello there!

The IEEE Society on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics is indeed a very interesting and active group within the IEEE community. Their focus is on the study of complex systems and the interaction between humans and technology. This can include research on topics such as artificial intelligence, control systems, and human-computer interaction.

The subject of cybernetics is a well-defined field that combines principles from mathematics, computer science, and engineering. It also draws from other disciplines such as psychology and biology. So, it is definitely an interdisciplinary subject. Many universities offer master's programs in cybernetics or related fields, such as systems science or engineering systems. These programs typically offer courses that cover topics such as control theory, artificial intelligence, and systems modeling.

In terms of job titles, individuals with a background in cybernetics can pursue careers in a variety of fields, such as robotics, data analytics, and systems engineering. The demand for professionals with knowledge in these areas is increasing as technology continues to advance and become more complex.

In my opinion, studying cybernetics and systems science can definitely be beneficial in the real world. The principles and theories learned in these fields can be applied to a wide range of industries and can help solve complex problems. Additionally, the continuous feedback loop you mentioned is a key aspect of cybernetics and systems science, and it can lead to continuous improvement and advancements in technology.

I hope this helps answer your questions and gives you some insight into the field of cybernetics and systems science. Best of luck with your studies!