Two Introductions to Cybernetics
Knowledge graph · Biological substrate
Biological substrate

Reflex / conditioned reflex

An automatic, stereotyped response to a stimulus; the conditioned reflex (Pavlov) is the simplest form of learning and memory.


In John F. Young, Cybernetics (1969)
Ch. 1–2 · Nervous System / Reflexes

Young uses the eye-blink and hand-withdrawal to introduce the reflex arc, then distinguishes fixed reflexes and tropisms from genuine learning.

In F. H. George, Cybernetics (1971)
Ch. 3 · Development of Cybernetic Models

George illustrates conditioning with Grey Walter's machine CORA, whose neon tube learns to flash to a whistle that has been paired with a light — “Pavlov's dogs” in hardware.


Builds on

Neuron (nerve cell)

Leads to

Inhibition

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