Description
Book SynopsisThis introduction to the world of cybernetics provides the basics and discusses the most important thought leaders, models as well as theories. Practical examples from the fields of biology, ecology, technology, society, and politics are used to illustrate the theoretical material. Questions at the end of the chapters stimulate reflection, and the author does not owe the answers. A central theme in all cybernetic considerations and a guiding theme of the book are information exchange and communication.
Table of ContentsBrief historical overview.- Two examples of cybernetic views.- System delimitation.- Part and whole.- Effect structure.- Structure and behavior.- Steering and development.- Perception or the cybernetics of cybernetics.- Basic concepts and language of cybernetics.- Control Circuit and Elements.- Negative Feedback - Negative - Balanced - Feedback.- Positive Feedback - Positive - Reenforced - Feedback.- Self-Regulation - Self-Regulation.- Fluid Equilibrium - Steady-State - and other Equilibria.- Homeostasis - Homeostasis.- Variety - Variety. Cybernetics and its representatives.- Cybernetic models and orders.- Cybernetics and theories.- Cybernetic systems in practice.- Cybernetic systems in nature.- Blood sugar control loop.- Pupil control loop.- Control loop model in forest ecosystem.- Cybernetic systems in technology.- Control of the focus of a camera.- Control of the position of the read/write head in a computer hard disk drive.- Control of the power steering in a motor vehicle.- Control of the room and heating water temperature.- Cybernetic systems in economics.- A cybernetic economic model of procurement-induced disturbances.- The cybernetic control loop as a management tool in the plant life cycle.- The CyberPractice method according to Dr. Boysen.- Cybernetic systems in society.- Sociocybernetics - Sociocybernetics.- Psychological cybernetics.- Cybernetic governance - Cybernetic government.- Cybernetics and education - Learning biology as an opportunity.- Cybernetics and the military.
