Complex Systems

Hans H. Diebner's Research Site

My research interests circle around complexity. On the one hand, it comprises modelling and simulation of nonlinear systems, agent-based systems, artificial intelligence, brain dynamics and, on the other hand, philosophical and epistemological problems that arise in cybernetics and complex systems research. Ecological systems are often in the focus of my work due to my commitment for the environmental systems sciences at the University of Graz. Since we more and more live in "vireality" (coupling of substance-based and virtual reality) my conception of environment includes the Internet and cybernetic systems in general as part of the environment, which leads to new concepts to account for, e.g., interactions with artificial intelligent "knowbots" in virtual space. With reference to Gregrory Bateson one can here speak of "ecology of mind". This also includes information and techno-ethical aspects.

Artistic approaches play a prominent role in my considerations. The dialogue between arts and sciences I call performative science. Because of the outstanding role of performative science in my research I devoted a separate site to this topic. A second dialogue that is constituent for my research acticity is defined through the interface between hermeneutics and systems sciences. I refer to this negotiation principle using the notion of "operational hermeneutics."

Since January 2006, I am head of the project "Basic Research into Performative Science" at the Institute for New Media, Frankfurt/Main, Germany. Also, I am the category manager of the Art & Science category in the MARCEL project: A permanent broadband interactive network and web site dedicated to artistic, educational and cultural experimentation, exchange between art and science and collaboration between art and industry.