From Vienna to California:: a journey across disciplines -: An interview with Heinz!von Foerster

Purpose - Seeks to promote an understanding of a multidisciplinary approach to artificial intelligence and the humanities. Design/methodology/approach - This paper is based on an interview with Heinz von Foerster. Findings - Describes von Foerster's personal and intellectual journey which made him a transdisciplinary scientist and the founder and director of the Biological Computer Laboratory. Originality/value - Provides a better understanding in how the complexity of scientific practice should be reflected in an open and flexible attitude towards the objects of enquiry.