Elements of a cybernetic epistemology: Design rules for complex goal‐orientated systems

2012

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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to analyze how sequence learning can build on pattern-recognition systems and how it can contribute to the behavioral options of goal-oriented systems. Design/methodology/approach -A functional approach is used to develop the necessary cybernetic structures of a subsystem for sequence learning, that can recognize patterns, register patterns occurring repeatedly and connect these to sequences. Based on that it is analyzed how goal-oriented systems can use information about reoccurring sequences. Findings -A subsystem for sequence learning basically requires pattern recognition and it needs a structure for the directed connection of single standards for pattern matching to standards for sequences, given that it can learn both new patterns and new sequences. Such a subsystem for sequence learning may recognize a certain pattern and with that the end of a certain sequence. So it may deliver more than one output signal at a point in time, and therefore needs additionally a subsystem for directing attention. Practical implications -The paper analyses the principles of an "associative" way of connecting standards for pattern matching to standards for sequences. Also it shows the cybernetic necessity of an attention directing system that has to decide how to deal with the multiple outputs of a subsystem for sequence learning, i.e. to decide to act either towards a pattern or a whole sequence. Originality/value -The paper investigates basic mechanisms of sequence learning and its contribution to goal-oriented behavior. Also, it lays the base for an analysis of attention directing systems and anticipatory systems.

Section: 2mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…(5) And this "associative" way may help to explain a phenomenon of the brain structure. We called that corresponding representation (Nechansky, 2009). That shows as "somatotopical" data processing in the lower cortical layers of the brain (Luria, 1992).…”

Section: Elements Of a Cybernetic Epistemologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Elements of a cybernetic epistemology: sequence learning systems

2012

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“…We have shown elsewhere (Nechansky, 2007) how Horney's (1950) neurotic types and Bion's (1968) basic groups correspond to the cybernetic modes of coexistence. As a result, e.g.…”

Section: Phase Ii: Growthmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…Of course, this is the cybernetic criteria for conflict (Nechansky, 2007). (b) If there are more effected actors B, the conflict will not remain on an individual level.…”

Section: Phase Ii: Growthmentioning

confidence: 98%

The cybernetics of social change – and history

2008

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PurposeThis paper aims to show how basic cybernetics principles of the interaction of two or more goal‐oriented systems determine the possibilities of social change – and of history.Design/methodology/approachThe starting‐point is the assumption of a social unit organized in two levels in which leaders and subordinated members share mutual goal‐values. As sources for differentiation within this unit diverging individual strivings and questions of leadership (i.e. defining goals, internal and external policy) are identified.FindingsThese sources for differentiation suffice to explain the emergence of individual, political and economic conflicts, as well as the necessary emergence of a multilevel hierarchical organization of society in order to deal with these conflicts. The options of how to deal with these conflicts are analyzed in detail.Practical implicationsTo avoid the emergence of a proletariat, i.e. a fraction of a society whose interests are neither represented nor pursued by its leaders, is identified as crucial for the long‐term stability of a social unit.Originality/valueThe paper shows how a few cybernetic principles – primarily the cybernetics of decision making and Ashby's law – can explain complex social phenomena. Thus, it shows the applicability of elements of a cybernetic epistemology.

“…In previous papers we developed increasingly complex goal-orientated systems out of the structure of simple feedback systems (Nechansky, 2006(Nechansky, , 2008(Nechansky, , 2009) and investigated their cognitive and behavioral possibilities. Recently we turned to adaptation (Nechansky, 2010a, b) defining it as the ability of a single system:…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Elements of a cybernetic epistemology

2012

Self Cite

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to analyze how pattern recognition can contribute to the behavioral options of a goal-oriented system. Design/methodology/approach -A functional approach is used to develop the necessary cybernetic structures of a pattern recognition unit that can store observations as new standards for pattern matching by itself and can later apply them to recognize patterns in incoming sensor data.Findings -Combining such a structure for pattern recognition with a feedback system shows that the resulting system can only deal with known patterns. To deal with novel patterns this structure has to be added to an adaptive system that can develop system-specific behavior. Such a system has to able to initiate a trial and error process to test new behavior towards new patterns and to evaluate its effect on the highest, existential goal-values of the system. Practical implications -A system with a pattern recognition unit that can set new standards for pattern matching by itself is identified as the point of departure where not-programmable and unpredictable individual behavior starts. Dealing with newly-recognized pattern requires individual behavioral solutions and a system-specific evaluation of the achieved results in relation to the highest goal-values of the system. Here internal "emotional" criteria to select behavior emerge as a cybernetic necessity. Originality/value -The paper is the third in a series of three on a cybernetic theory distinguishing system capable of pre-programmed adaptation, system-specific adaptation and learning. It determines the cybernetic starting point of individual psychology.