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

Simulation | Synthesis

Two aims of cybernetic modelling: simulation copies an organism's behaviour; synthesis achieves an intelligent end by any means whatever.


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

Young's toys and tortoises are simulations — imitations of tropistic and reflex behaviour — evaluated against the biology they copy.

In F. H. George, Cybernetics (1971)
Ch. 2 · Self-adapting Systems

George draws the distinction explicitly: simulation aims to copy organisms, synthesis to reach the same “intelligent” end-product by whatever construction works.


Builds on

Modelling

See this concept in the graph →