Cybernetic capitalism : a critical theory of the incommunicable /
"Cybernetic Capitalism develops a critical systems theory in order to conceptualize the cybernetic rationalization of contemporary capitalism. Today, the book argues, capital no longer aims at total communicability, but seeks to put the incommunicable to work. Develops a comprehensive critical...
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| Format: | eBook |
| Language: | English |
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New York :
Fordham University Press,
2025.
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| Edition: | First edition. |
| Series: | Meaning systems.
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| Subjects: |
| Summary: | "Cybernetic Capitalism develops a critical systems theory in order to conceptualize the cybernetic rationalization of contemporary capitalism. Today, the book argues, capital no longer aims at total communicability, but seeks to put the incommunicable to work. Develops a comprehensive critical systems theory that synthesizes two mutually antagonistic approaches to social philosophy, namely systems theory (which moves between the the social sciences and ecological thought) and critical theory."--About this book. "Cybernetic Capitalism presents a groundbreaking synthesis of Niklas Luhmann's systems theory and critical theory. Overwijk examines how neoliberal capitalism now thrives on the management of incommunicability rather than the pursuit of total communicability, harnessing ecological complexity as its driving force. Contrary to earlier critiques that highlighted capitalism's push to render all social life fully communicable, the current era encourages market incalculability, profits from user unpredictability, and spurs service workers' creativity. This ecological logic resonates with the extractivist drive of the Anthropocene, reframing our understanding of capitalism as an adaptive, environment-attuned system. Cybernetic Capitalism also exposes how these dynamics intersect with the cultural rise of conspiracy theories and radical-right irrationalism. By illuminating capitalism's paradoxical reliance on both rationalist and irrationalist currents, Overwijk provides a vital new lens for interpreting the complex politics of our time."--Publisher's website. |
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| Physical Description: | 1 online resource (218 pages) |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (pages 189-209) and index. |
| ISBN: | 9781531508951 (electronic bk.) 1531508952 9781531508944 1531508944 |