Human Machine Symbiotics: On Control and Automation in Human Contexts

The human-machine symbiotics, in its wider conception extends beyond the production game. It is about the symbiosis of hand and brain, a productive interplay between the user and the machine, and an interactive interplay between the objective knowledge and the tacit dimension. Central to this conception is the design of 'machines with purpose', an alternative vision to that of the instrumental rationality embedded in the computer. The paper reflects back upon the 1970s conception of symbiotics, exploring its evolution over the last four decades. As we now enter the world of cyber realities and fragmented selves on the one hand, and the world of cultural diversities and pluralities on the other, we ponder on whether neuroscience offers a route to a holistic symbiotics, which is even more relevant to the digitally mediated world we live in.