https://www.open.edu/openlearn/money-management/management/leadership-and-management/managing/systems-explained-humberto-maturana Skip to content * Skip to main content * The Open University * Student home * Guest user / Sign out * Study with The Open University The Open University OpenLearn Free learning from The Open University header search Search for [ ] Search * Home * Free courses * Subjects * For Study * For Life * Help * Sign in Create account / Sign in The Open University The Open University * The Open University * Student home * Guest user / Sign out * Study with The Open University The Open University OpenLearn * Home * Free courses * Subjects * For Study * For Life * Help * Sign in Menu sticky search Search for [ ] Search My OpenLearn Profile Personalise your OpenLearn profile, save your favourite content and get recognition for your learning Create account / Sign in * * * Subjects * Money & Business * All content * Systems explained by Humberto Maturana Money & Business Featured content Free courses All content Author: Humberto Maturana * Video * 1 hour Systems explained by Humberto Maturana Updated Thursday, 4th November 2021 In May 2021, Humberto Maturana, a Chilean Biologist, died aged 92. In these videos he explains the differences between information transfer within biological and non-biological systems. In this set of YouTube videos based on material filmed at The Open University in 1997 the late Prof. Humberto Maturana discusses some of his key ideas. The segments come from an edited conversation between Humberto Maturana and Prof. Ray Ison, Professor of Systems at the OU. Prof Raul Espejo who worked with Humberto in Chile during the Allende years and later held chairs at Aston and Lincoln Universities and is the current Director General of WOSC (the World Organisation of Systems & Cybernetics) was also present and contributes to the conversation. The original filming was probably on Wednesday 12th March 1997. Humberto then presented a three-day workshop at Walton Hall from the 13-15th March. His visit to the OU is described in this Press Release (Word 2007 document14.5 KB) . Humberto was a guest of The Open University and the SPMC (Systems Practice for Manging Complexity) Network again in 2004. At St Anne's College Oxford on 6^th September he led a one day workshop entitled 'Fundamentalism, Ethics and Leadership' and on the same evening participated in a facilitated public conversation about 'Biology, Love and Social Responsibility' with the OU's Professor Stephen Rose. We hope to be able to present on this site some recordings from these events in the future. 1. Humberto Maturana's understanding and use of the term 'System' Transcript 2. Distinctions between organisation and structure applied to a university Transcript 3. How does an object differ from a system? How boundary creates a system-environment relationship? Transcript 4. Is an organisation a system? Transcript 5. The Santiago School of Cognition / Epistemology Transcript 6. What is it to experience? Transcript 7. Epistemology and ontology Transcript 8. What are the implications for your distinctions between epistemology and ontology for practice? Transcript 9. Exploring implications of the different pathway choices - Objectivity and responsibility Transcript 10. Our history - Structural coupling and structure determined systems Transcript 11. Relational dynamics - Conversations as the braiding of language and emotions. Transcript 12. Information: The false turn by attempting to quantify meaning; Belongs to engineering not biology; Dynamics of structural change Transcript 13. Triggering change in human social system; Escaping traps; Totalitarian system Transcript 14. Reflecting on the use of his ideas; Education systems grounded in love Transcript Further links * Chilean Biologist Humberto Maturana Dies At 92 * Chilean polymath Humberto Maturana remembered Become an OU student Become an OU student * Postgraduate Diploma in Systems Thinking in Practice Postgraduate Diploma in Systems Thinking in Practice * Postgraduate Certificate in Systems Thinking in Practice Postgraduate Certificate in Systems Thinking in Practice Author Author * picture of Humberto Maturana Humberto Maturana (Instituto de Formacion Matriztica)View author profile Ratings & Comments Share this free course Share this video Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare via Email Print Copyright information Publication details * Originally published: Sunday, 4th July 2010 Copyright information * Body text - Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0: The Open University Copyright information Publication details * Originally published: Sunday, 4th July 2010 Copyright information * Body text - Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0: The Open University Skip Rate and Review Rate and Review Rate this video 1 2 3 4 5 Average rating 5 out of 5, based on 2 ratings. Review this video Log into OpenLearn to leave reviews and join in the conversation. Video reviews * David Kelly David Kelly 20 June 2022 9:02AM 1 2 3 4 5 Rating entered. These are great. Flag As Offensive * Ethel Chiodelli Ethel Chiodelli 6 April 2017 2:58PM 1 2 3 4 5 No rating entered Ethel Chiodelli - 6 April 2017 2:58pm Hi I don't seem to be able to play any of the videos on my Mac book Pro. I've got macOS Sierra, anybody able to tell me how to solve the problem please? Ethel Chiodelli - 6 April 2017 2:58pm Hi I don't seem to be able to play any of the videos on my Mac book Pro. I've got macOS Sierra, anybody able to tell me how to solve the problem please? Flag As Offensive For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need. Have a question? Author * picture of Humberto Maturana Humberto Maturana (Instituto de Formacion Matriztica)View author profile Become an OU student * Postgraduate Diploma in Systems Thinking in Practice Postgraduate Diploma in Systems Thinking in Practice * Postgraduate Certificate in Systems Thinking in Practice Postgraduate Certificate in Systems Thinking in Practice Share this video Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare via Email Print Take your learning further Take your learning further Making the decision to study can be a big step, which is why you'll want a trusted University. We've pioneered distance learning for over 50 years, bringing university to you wherever you are so you can fit study around your life. Take a look at all Open University courses. If you're new to university-level study, read our guide on Where to take your learning next, or find out more about the types of qualifications we offer including entry level Access modules, Certificates, and Short Courses. 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