These signals, integral to the conceptual side of Project Cybersyn, were feedback loops communicating pleasure or pain, signaling system status and needs.

Originating from WWII, it denotes a system with known inputs and outputs but unknown internal workings. It's a tool for simplifying complex systems, focusing on overall function rather than minute details.

Stafford Beer was a pioneer of its techniques while working in the steel industry. Simulation in factory settings uses computer models to experiment with decision-making and refine operational rules. It represents plant operations, enabling experimentation without real-world testing. By developing scheduling rules based on existing guidelines, simulations help identify potential improvements and enhance decision-making processes for running the works.

A post-WWII transdisciplinary approach studying systems' regulatory processes, including self-regulation, communication, control in machines and organisms, and information feedback mechanisms.

Stafford Beer's idea - the subject of an eponymous book and a lecture series - that freedom can be engineered into systems: it's not just a philosophical concept but a computable function.

Central to cybernetics, feedback refers to data returned to a system that influences its future operations. Feedback loops can maintain stability (negative feedback) or encourage growth (positive feedback).

The ability of a system to maintain internal stability despite external changes. In cybernetics, it reflects the self-regulating processes that maintain system equilibrium.

First articulated by the cybernetiain W. Ross Ashby, this law proposes that to effectively control a system, you must match or exceed the complexity of the environment it's situated in. Stafford Beer implemented this principle in Project Cybersyn to manage Chile's economy by constructing a corresponding complex computer system.

The Liberty Machine was Stafford Beer's way of describing the paradoxical institutional landscape of contemporary society. Designed to promote liberty, it was mostly doing the opposite, unable to cope with the mounting problems. He saw management cybernetics - and computers - as essential aids in re-designing the Liberty Machine.

A discipline founded by Stafford Beer, it blended organizational design with cybernetics and Operational Research. It deploys cybernetic concepts like feedback loops and self-organization to govern complex organizations. It aims to design decision-making structures to mimic neural networks, boosting efficiency, adaptability, and resilience.

A problem-solving and decision-making discipline using advanced analytical methods to help manage an effective organization, originated in Britain during WWII for integrating new radar technologies into warfare tactics.

A way of modeling reality, whereby parts appear to be complete replicas of the whole. This allows to apply the same analytical model across different levels the entity being modeled, reducing complexity and allowing for better real-time comparisons.

This concept suggests that decision-making in brainlike systems occurs where relevant information converges. No permanent centers are pre-designated for decisions. Any logical element cluster holding the needed information can potentially take command, thus creating a redundancy. This redundancy, a result of the enormous combinatorial possibilities in a brainlike system, enhances adaptability and resilience against failure.

In Stafford Beer's Viable System Model, these five systems represent elements of an organization, from operations (System 1) to policy (System 5). The model aims to ensure the viability and adaptability of an organization.

Introduced by British cybernetician Ross Ashby, this concept refers to a system's ability to adapt to a changing environment. An ultrastable system adjusts its internal parameters in response to negative feedback until a stable state, conducive to survival or optimal performance, is reached. It's a foundational idea in adaptive and learning systems, underlying much of modern artificial intelligence.

A conceptual model for any viable or autonomous system's organizational structure, based on human nervous system structure and cybernetic principles of adaptive behavior and requisite variety, designed by Stafford Beer.

Industrial complexes under worker control in 1970s Chile, responding to labor unrest and aiming to keep the economy running during political turmoil and give workers a central economic role.

A counter-approach to neoclassical economics, prominent among Latin American economists. It criticizes the notion that unrestricted trade will universally benefit all nations. Instead, it argues that economic disparities between countries can lead to a pattern where 'peripheral' economies become dependent on 'core' economies, often exacerbating existing inequalities rather than promoting mutual growth.

An economic policy strategy that emphasizes the domestic production of goods that a country had been importing. The goal is to reduce foreign dependency, stimulate local industry, and foster economic growth. Key tools include protective tariffs and subsidies for home industries.

Introduced under Allende's administration in Chile, these local supply and price committees were part of an effort to distribute goods and control inflation amidst economic crises. However, they faced problems such as inadequate supplies, black markets, and politicization. Despite their grassroots engagement and attempts at direct democracy, they struggled with logistical difficulties and resistance from established economic and political elites.

The US executive branch devised two plans, Track I and Project FUBELT (Track II), to prevent Salvador Allende's rise to power in Chile, with the latter promoting a military coup.

A Brazilian engineer who took up anti-torture activism in his native country. Having escaped political persecution there, he went to work for Project Cybersyn after a brief stint in London.

A senior technocrat of the Allende government (in charge of the state car monopoly and an advisor at the Ministry of the Economy), Farné had a brief affiliation with Project Cybersyn.

Chilean philosopher, politician, and entrepreneur. As a high-ranking official in the Allende administration - he would eventually rise to be his minister of economy and finance - Flores was instrumental in Project Cybersyn. He is known for his work on speech acts and commitment-based management, blending philosophy, linguistics, and business.

A former student leader at Catholic University who was active in the MAPU party during Salvador Allende's government in Chile. Served in the Ministry of Public Works, was briefly imprisoned during the Pinochet years, and lived in exile thereafter. After Chile's political transition, they served as an ambassador for science and technology in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A Stanford-educated engineer known for contributing to Chile's Project Cybersyn, a pioneering cybernetics project during Salvador Allende's presidency aimed at improving economic management through real-time data processing.

A technolology editor of The New Scientist at the time of Cybersyn, Hanlon later pursued an academic career in development economics.

Italian economist who advised the Chilean government during Allende's presidency. Directed the Chilean economy model for Stafford Beer's Project Cybersyn, a groundbreaking cybernetic experiment.

Bolivian-Chilean systems scientist Espejo collaborated on Project Cybersyn, applying cybernetics to manage Chile's economy. His later work explores organizational cybernetics and information flows in complex systems.

Prominent Chilean politician who served in Salvador Allende's government, was imprisoned after the 1973 military coup, and later played a key role in Chile's democratic transition.

Sonia Mordojovic, then a CORFO employee, was Stafford Beer's assistant, interpreter, and close friend. Post-Cybersyn, she witnessed Beer's transformative lifestyle shift, possibly influenced by Chile's political upheaval.

Stafford Beer was a British theorist known for his work in operational research and management cybernetics. His theories, notably the Viable System Model, were revolutionary in understanding organizational structures. Beer's most ambitious project, Cybersyn, aimed to implement cybernetic principles in Chile's economy under Allende. Post-Chile, his lifestyle underwent a transformative shift, reflecting a melding of technology, society, and personal philosophy.

A British economist, a one-time business partner to Stafford Beer, and Chief Economic Adviser to Margaret Thatcher known for advocating monetarism and free-market economics, also advising General Augusto Pinochet on economic policies.

An American cyberneticist and director of Team Syntegrity International, specializing in Stafford Beer's Viable System Model and Syntegration.

Originally appointed by President Salvador Allende as commander-in-chief of the Chilean army, he led the military junta that overthrew Allende, initiating a 17-year dictatorship marked by human rights abuses.

Chilean physician and political activist committed to her father Salvador Allende's socialist vision, who continued her political activism in exile.

English musician and producer who pioneered ambient music. Influenced by Stafford Beer, Eno applied systemic thinking to his creative process and studio work.

A Chilean Army General and politician under President Allende, loyal to constitutionalist principles. He mediated between Allende's government and the military. Assassinated in Argentine exile by Pinochet's secret police, DINA.

A British media mogul who, during political unrest in 1968, plotted a failed coup against Harold Wilson's Labour government. His actions highlight the interplay between media power, politics, and business in late 1960s Britain.

Group of Chilean economists from the University of Chicago, influential in shaping Chile's free-market economic reforms under Augusto Pinochet.

An Irish-born book dealer and scholar with extensive knowledge in literature, history, and arts, known for editing the works and publishing the correspondence of cybernetician Stafford Beer.

A pivotal Chilean political figure and president who aimed to balance economic growth with social justice through his "Revolution in Liberty."

US Ambassador to Chile before and during the first year of Allende's presidency. His controversial role in the events leading up to the coup against Allende has been scrutinized in relation to US interventionism in Latin America.

Peruvian engineer, academic, and politician. President of Peru (2020-2021). Prominent for his contributions to the science, technology and innovation field, emphasizing their role in socio-economic development.

An American philosopher who critiqued artificial intelligence, arguing that human intelligence and learning are rooted in our embodied existence. Influenced Fernando Flores' during his years at Berkeley.

A British educationalist, and brother of Stafford Beer, noted for his tenure as headmaster of Harrow School, significantly shaping educational standards and practices in the late 20th century.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning American investigative journalist known for his syndicated column, "Washington Merry-Go-Round," which uncovered several political scandals, influencing American journalism with his fearless pursuit of truth.

Brazil's democratically elected President, overthrown in a 1964 military coup due to his progressive policies and alleged leftist sympathies.

A Spanish lawyer and advisor to Salvador Allende, significantly contributing to Allende's domestic and foreign policy initiatives during his short-lived presidency.

An American businessman and politician who served as Director of Central Intelligence during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, overseeing events such as the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. A board member of ITT at the time of the Allende election and one of the company's main links to the CIA.

An American philosopher who contributed significantly to the philosophy of language and the philosophy of mind, particularly through his Chinese Room argument which challenges AI's understanding capacity. Influenced Fernando Flores during his time at Berkeley.

A British operational researcher recognized for his work on problem structuring methods. A friend and colleague of Stafford Beer, he influenced the practical application of operational research in complex decision-making scenarios.

Brazilian politician known for nationalizing ITT in Rio Grande do Sul, opposing the military regime, and championing social and educational reforms as Rio de Janeiro's governor.

Chief of Pinochet's secret police, DINA, during the Chilean dictatorship. Oversaw 'Operation Condor,' leading to thousands of political dissidents being killed or disappeared.

Former member of the extreme-right Chilean paramilitary group Patria y Libertad, instrumental in the assassination of Orlando Letelier. He was an operative for Pinochet’s secret police, DINA, and later became a witness for the US government.

Nobel Laureate economist known for his influential theories on consumption analysis, monetary history, and complexity stabilization. His strong advocacy for free markets and neoliberal policies shaped economic practices worldwide.

A Chilean politician who was a leading opponent of the Pinochet regime. Assassinated in Washington D.C. in 1976, sparking international outcry against Pinochet's dictatorship.

American computer scientist known for his work on natural language processing and the design of interactive systems, as well as his criticism of artificial intelligence.

Conceptualized by Stafford Beer in the context of Project Cybersyn in Chile, these devices were supposed to measure pleasure and pain within an organization (including an entire nation), providing real-time feedback on performance, happiness, and system health.

A model of the Chilean economy, it formed a key part of Cybersyn, the innovative cybernetic system developed during Salvador Allende's presidency.

A clandestine communications network, part of Operation Condor, it enabled covert cooperation between South American military dictatorships during the Cold War.

A component of Cybersyn, it was designed to sift through economic data, providing essential real-time information to help manage Chile's socialist economy.

Another element of Cybersyn, it was a software for real-time economic control, reflecting the ambitions of Allende's government for a technologically managed economy.

Conceived by George Mallen, this game (presented at Davos) simulated a national economy, where team decisions on wealth distribution led to visual depictions of societal outcomes. The innovative approach, despite controversies, influenced Stafford Beer's design for the Cybersyn project in Allende's Chile.

Sharp, star-shaped caltrops, used by opponents of Allende's government to disable vehicles and create roadblocks, symbolizing the political tensions of the era.

Part of Chile's police academy, it represented a significant export of policing techniques abroad, influencing international law enforcement practices.

A part of the Cybersyn project, it aimed at creating a system where factory workers (and eventually other Chilean citizens) could directly influence political and economic decisions, embodying democratic ideals within technology.

A software developed by Terry Winograd and Fernando Flores, it aimed at improving workplace productivity by managing communication and tasks.

A central component of Cybersyn, it was a futuristic control room designed to enable real-time management of Chile's economy.

The national law enforcement police of Chile, tasked with maintaining order and enforcing Chilean laws since 1927. Their switching of side played a determining role on the day of the 1973 coup.

Noted for its influence on Chilean society in the 1960s through student activism, the introduction of free-market economics, and its association with the gremialismo movement.

Established in 1948 to assist Latin American governments with economic development, improving living standards, and strengthening commercial relations, both regionally and globally. Later included Caribbean countries.

Involved in the 1972 Chilean transport strike, this was the nerve center of the Gremialistas, reprsenting the liberal-conservative movement opposed to forces on Chile's left and center from the 1960s.

The Chilean government's Production Development Corporation, founded in 1939 to promote economic growth and responsible for nationalizing and managing diverse sector enterprises during Salvador Allende’s presidency.

Chile's secret police under Pinochet's dictatorship, notorious for human rights abuses, including kidnapping, torture, and assassination of opposition members.

A Chilean newspaper, covertly funded by the CIA, opposing Allende's socialist policies and significantly influencing public opinion, legitimizing the subsequent military coup.

An international news agency disseminating propaganda aligned with Western anti-communist interests, contributing to the destabilization leading to Chile's 1973 coup.

A bodyguard unit established by Chilean President Salvador Allende in 1970 for protection amid rising political tensions, criticized for alleged political radicalism.

A British government entity active during the Cold War (1948-1977), aimed at countering communist propaganda. It faced criticism for covert operations, propaganda dissemination, and suspected involvement in regime changes.

Established in Chile in 1970, an institution promoting technological development and innovation, significantly contributing to industrialization programs under Salvador Allende.

A prominent publishing company during the 1960s, which controlled a vast media empire but declined due to economic challenges and competition. Stafford Beer's last institutional employer before his turn to consulting.

A major global telecommunications corporation, controversial for its involvement in Latin America and political influence. It tried its best to prevent Allende from winning in 1970 - and then did its best to destabilize his rule.

An internationalist organization linking leftist movements across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Bolivia. Its members were targeted by Operation Condor.

A leftist party formed in Chile in 1969 by Christian Democrat defectors. It was a key ally under Allende's administration (1970-73), advocating for extensive land and industrial reforms.

Emerged in Chile during the 1960s, advocating for radical change, faced repression after Pinochet's coup but remains influential.

A covert campaign in the 1970s and 80s by South American dictatorships to eradicate supposed leftist threats, leading to widespread human rights abuses.

A far-right paramilitary group in Chile, formed in 1970, which opposed Salvador Allende's socialist government and contributed to the tension culminating in the 1973 military coup.

A 1970s initiative to manage Chile's economy using real-time data, networked computing, and principles of cybernetics. It was dismantled after Pinochet's 1973 coup.

A British magazine that aimed to bridge the gap between scientific research and society, fostering critical thinking and promoting the idea that science should serve people's needs.

A covert Chilean military unit conducting extrajudicial killings of political opponents post-1973 coup led by General Augusto Pinochet.

A US training program for foreign police forces, criticized for involvement in human rights abuses and support for repressive regimes.

A renowned German design school active from 1953 to 1968, known for its scientific, interdisciplinary approach to design education, inspired by the Bauhaus movement.

A Chilean left-wing coalition formed in 1969 led by Salvador Allende, known for implementing progressive reforms including industry nationalization and land redistribution, amid political tensions.

An American corporation established in 1899, controlling extensive agricultural lands in Latin America, often leading to labor exploitation, political interference, and sparking anti-imperialist sentiments in the region.

A steelmaking, engineering, coal mining group based in England. Nationalized and succeeded by the British Steel Corporation.

A textile factory that just a few months into Allende's presidency became a symbol of his mounting problems. Occupied by workers who demanded nationalization and workers' control it inspired further (unplanned) occupations.

Describes the area of St James's in central London, known as the traditional home of gentlemen's clubs since the 19th century.

An island in the Strait of Magellan, Chile, used as a detention and torture center following the 1973 Chilean coup.

The name of Stafford Beer's opulent mansion at the time of Project Cybersyn. Also, a unit of beer measurement equal to nine imperial gallons or 40.9148 liters.

The Chilean presidential palace. Originally a colonial mint, it became the presidential palace in 1846. Bombed during the 1973 U.S.-backed coup that installed Gen. Augusto Pinochet.

A Welsh town that is nearest to where Stafford Beer's secluded cottage was located.

A town in the Valparaíso Region of Chile, located on the Pacific Ocean coast. The setting of Stafford Beer's 10-week sojourn shortly before the coup.

A private members' club in London for individuals with intellectual interests, particularly those distinguished in science, engineering, literature, or the arts. The setting of the initial meeting between Stafford Beer and Fernando Flores.

The suburbs of London - and the location of Firkins - where many stockbrokers and financial professionals reside, a term originating from the 1920s and 1930s.

A detention and torture center in Santiago, Chile, during Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship, symbolizing severe human rights abuses against political dissidents.

A coastal city in Chile, it's often referred to as "La Ciudad Jardín" or "The Garden City" for its beautiful parks and flower-filled streets. The setting for Chilean industrialists' meeting that laid out one of the first plans to get rid of Allende.

An Observer article exploring the Cybersyn project's attempt to regulate Chile's economy using cybernetics under Allende's government.

A scholarly paper by philosopher John Searle, expanding speech act theory, discussing language's power not only to describe reality but also to act within it. Inspired Fernando Flores to pursue a business career in Silicon Valley.

Stafford Beer's insightful book providing a novel approach to conflict resolution, introducing "syntegration", a participative method for resolving complex issues in organizations.

A book by Eden Medina - the first book-length scholarly manuscript on the subject. It explores the development and implementation of Project Cybersyn in Salvador Allende's Chile.

Beer's exploration of managerial cybernetics, outlining methods to understand and manage complex systems in various fields, from business to governance. The book won the Lanchester Prize of the Operations Research Society of America. 

Gui Bonsiepe's work examining design's role in transitioning societies towards socialism, reflecting on his experiences in Allende's Chile.

A book by Eduardo Galeano that chronicles the history of exploitation in Latin America, detailing the extraction of human and natural resources that has shaped global economic hierarchies. Includes a substantial discussion of technology as the latest frontier of dependency in Latin America.

An unpublished essay by Stafford Beer that critiques inertia in societal structures, emphasizing the need for dynamism and adaptability in a constantly evolving world.

Beer's groundbreaking book on managerial cybernetics, proposing the Viable System Model, a model for organizational structure based on the human nervous system.

A philosophical masterpiece by Hans-Georg Gadamer that explores the relationship between truth and interpretation, positioning understanding as an ontological, not merely epistemological, event. Another inspiration for Fernando Flores' subsequent turn away from Cybernetics

A book by Terry Winograd and Fernando Flores that critically assesses the limitations of traditional AI and proposes a new approach, blending computer science with philosophical insights into cognition.