Two Introductions to Cybernetics
Knowledge graph · Foundations
Foundations

Feedback

The return of information about a system's output to its input; negative feedback corrects deviation and is the central mechanism linking control and communication.


In John F. Young, Cybernetics (1969)
Ch. 2 · Reflexes, Inhibition and Survival

Young notes feedback is part of much reflex activity and governs the degree of an action — but insists it cannot, by itself, account for learning.

In F. H. George, Cybernetics (1971)
Ch. 1–2 · Basic Ideas / Self-adapting Systems

George makes negative feedback the “vital factor” of adaptation, illustrated by the car driver's correcting movements and the Watt governor.


Builds on

Cybernetics

Leads to

Stability / Ultra-stabilitySelf-adapting systemsManagement cyberneticsEducational cybernetics

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