Conceptual and cognitive problems in cybernetics

Controversies have existed for some time about cybernetics as a subject and difficulties have existed for students in obtaining an overview despite the fact that at some level several cybernetics concepts can be grasped by twelve year olds. An attempt is made to unpack the notion of a subject entity and to indicate how far elements in cybernetics conform to such a concept within a generally acceptable philosophy of science. Ambiguities and controversies among key themes of cybernetics are examined and resolutions offered. How far the nature of cybernetics is likely to create problems of understanding is discussed, along with approaches towards the empirical examination of how cybernetic ideas are understood. An approach to better understanding is formulated and used in an investigation of how and how effectively the concept of feedback is grasped by various groups. Suggestions are offered from the foregoing analysis as to the balance of problems within cybernetics and effective strategies for the future.

Grantor dc:publisher

Brunel University Theses

Year dc:date.issued

1990

Author dc:creator

• Dewhurst, David William

• Ambiguity
• Controversy
• Resolution

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/5251

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bura.brunel.ac.uk:2438/5251