Elements of a cybernetic epistemology: output‐side attention directing 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: The Problem Of Controlling Attentionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Elements of a cybernetic epistemology: sequence learning systems

2012

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“…Now such "knowledge" can be acquired in principle with the sequence learning process we discussed elsewhere (Nechansky, 2012a). But the decisive prerequisite, that longer sequences are possible at all, is the ability to connect known patterns to sequences.…”

Section: From Elementary To Complex Anticipationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As already mentioned we will consider here just temporal patterns connected via the "associative" way (Nechansky, 2012a).…”

Section: Necessary Structures For a Subsystem For Complex Anticipationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Elements of a cybernetic epistemology: complex anticipatory systems

2013

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If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -The purpose of this paper is to analyze the main differences in the cybernetic structures necessary for elementary anticipation, understood as anticipation of the repetition of one known pattern, and complex anticipation, understood as anticipation of the repetition of known sequences of patterns. Design/methodology/approach -A functional cybernetic approach is used to develop the necessary additions to an elementary anticipatory system, so that it can provide standards for anticipated sequences containing seven single patterns or "chunks". Findings -A subsystem for the anticipation of sequences is developed that is able to: identify the beginning of known sequences; search for different known sequences containing that beginning; and decide to use later patterns of such a sequence as standards for anticipated patterns. Deciding to actually use such patterns for anticipation requires an additional subsystem to switch between the feedback pattern recognition and the feedforward anticipation mode.Practical implications -The paper shows how complex anticipation can be developed from elementary forms by adding highly parallel structures that apply the same underlying principles; and it emphasizes epistemological demands for the structure and the data organization that have to be fulfilled, so that anticipation of the repetition of sequences becomes possible. Originality/value -The paper illustrates the complexity of the anticipation of sequences and it provides the base to analyze more complex forms of specifically human thinking.

“…It can only start with the action previously applied towards that pattern in the feedback mode, from which it derived the current evaluation of that pattern (Nechansky, 2012a).…”

Section: Learning To Act Successfully Towards Anticipated Patternsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Elements of a cybernetic epistemology: elementary anticipatory systems

2013

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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to analyze how elementary anticipation, understood as anticipation of the repetition of one known pattern, can emerge out of sequence learning 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 additionally provide standards of anticipated patterns for future pattern matching. Based on that it is analyzed, how a goal-oriented system can use the information about the actual occurrence of an anticipated pattern. Findings -A subsystem for elementary anticipation of single patterns builds on sequence learning and requires additionally a structure: first, to unequivocally identify the beginning of known sequences just from their first patterns; and second, to decide to use a latter pattern of such a sequence as standard for an anticipated pattern. Deciding to actually use such a pattern for anticipation requires an additional subsystem to switch between the feedback pattern recognition mode and feedforward. Then the occurrence of such an anticipated pattern allows immediate recognition and action.Practical implications -The paper shows a necessary evolution of cybernetic structures from pattern recognition via sequence learning to anticipation; and it shows, too, a necessary evolution in the cognitive development of individual systems. In the simple anticipatory structures analyzed here, only known patterns, that are part of a known sequence, can become anticipated patterns. Originality/value -The paper places elementary anticipation of single patterns in an evolutionary development based on pattern recognition and sequence learning. It provides the base to analyze more complex forms of anticipation.