Episode Details
Back to EpisodesCybernetics and the Left: Communist Synergy or Capitalist Machines?
Description
Adam is joined by Dr James Fox to discuss the legacy of cybernetics and organizational theory, its Leftist critics, and the potential for a cybernetics of the commune, one which politicizes the dynamic systems of democracy at play in worker organizing. We discussed public attitudes to cyber-theory, the history of the field from Wiener to Bogdanov and Stafford Beer, and the use of machinic language from Deleuze to the CCRU.
You can read all of the pieces from James we discussed today over at https://tektology.substack.com/
Also: Catch James' talk on his work for the COVER centre at the University of Essex https://youtu.be/BO2LszSj9o8
Support the podcast:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/acidhorizon
Acid Horizon on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acidhorizonpodcast
Zer0 Books and Repeater Media Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/zer0repeater
Merch: http://www.crit-drip.com
Order 'The Philosopher's Tarot': https://repeaterbooks.com/product/the-philosophers-tarot/
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/169wvvhi
Happy Hour at Hippel's (Adam’s blog): https://happyhourathippels.wordpress.com
Revolting Bodies (Will's Blog): https://revoltingbodies.com
Split Infinities (Craig’s Substack): https://splitinfinities.substack.com/
Music: https://sereptie.bandcamp.com/ and https://thecominginsurrection.bandcamp.com/
Support the podcast:
AHRC
Current classes at Acid Horizon Research Commons (AHRC): acidhorizonresearchcommons.com
AHRC Course Archive: https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/ahrc-course-archives
Submit your course proposal: acidhorizonresearchcommons@gmail.com
More Links
Website: https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/acidhorizon
Acid Horizon on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acidhorizonpodcast
Boycott Watkins Media: https://xenogothic.com/2025/03/17/boycott-watkins-statement/
Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast: https://pod.link/1512615438
Merch: http://www.crit-drip.com
Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast platform: https://pod.link/1512615438
LEPHT HAND: https://www.patreon.com/LEPHTHAND
Happy Hour at Hippel's (Adam’s blog): https://happyhourathippels.wordpress.com
Split Infinities (Craig’s Substack): https://splitinfinities.substack.com/
Music: https://sereptie.bandcamp.com/ and https://thecominginsurrection.bandcamp.com/