Norbert Wiener – Cybernetics and Control

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Norbert Wiener – Cybernetics and Control

Source: Cybernetics: Or Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine (1948)

Summary: Wiener introduced cybernetics as the study of systems that use feedback loops to regulate behaviour and maintain stability.

Resonance with PET: PET builds on cybernetic foundations of feedback and control.

Divergence: Cybernetics focuses on function and stability. PET adds self-concern—a system must not only regulate itself but do so to preserve itself. Feedback becomes conscious only when its pattern cares about remaining intact.