Two Introductions to Cybernetics
Knowledge graph · Modelling and machines
Modelling and machines

Modelling

The construction of systems that reproduce organismic behaviour — in hardware or software, as pre-wired or growth models.


In John F. Young, Cybernetics (1969)
Ch. 7 · Toys and Machines

Young surveys the famous hardware models — maze-runners, light-followers, Grey Walter's tortoise ELMER — having warned against over-reading their lifelike behaviour.

In F. H. George, Cybernetics (1971)
Ch. 2–3 · Self-adapting Systems / Development of Models

George distinguishes pre-wired models (a programmed computer) from growth models (organic, structure-changing), arguing they are complementary, and records the migration from hardware to software.


Builds on

Self-adapting systems

Leads to

Simulation | SynthesisNeural nets / neuron assembliesPattern recognition

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