Two Introductions to Cybernetics
Knowledge graph · Foundations
Foundations

Adaptation / Learning

The modification of a system's behaviour as a result of experience — the central problem cybernetics sets itself.


In John F. Young, Cybernetics (1969)
Ch. 2 & 5 · Reflexes / Patterns

Young argues learning cannot be explained by reflex or feedback alone, and that because its mechanism is obscure science must for now study behaviour rather than mechanism.

In F. H. George, Cybernetics (1971)
Ch. 2 & 8 · Self-adapting Systems / Human Behaviour

For George, learning is adaptive self-modification through experience, inseparable from perception, and the principal fundamental problem of cybernetics.


Builds on

Stability / Ultra-stability

Mutually entails

Artificial intelligence

Leads to

Educational cybernetics

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