[From Rick Marken (2013.06.30.2210)]
Some of those taking the course have expressed concerns about three issues: 1) what are the assumed qualifications for the course? 2) can the course be taken as audit? and 3) are there suggested background readings.
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The qualification for taking this course are simply an interest in Perceptual Control Theory and B:CP. However, it would help if people have had at least an undergraduate level knowledge of mathematics, physical science, biological science, and social science (particularly psychology). Some familiarity with computer science and robotics wouldn’t hurt either. But we will make every effort to make the discussion accessible to everyone who is interested in B:CP.
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Of course people are free to just audit the course; but if everyone audits then most of what you get will come from David and me. But we do encourage participation; that will certainly enrich things. No one has to feel compelled to do anything but watch. But it would be nice to know who is planning to “attend” this course, whether via participation or audit. So we would like to ask those of you who are taking the course to send an email to one of us – rsmarken@gmail.com – so we can have a record of who took this first iteration of the course.
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Again, we are assuming that if you are in this course you have some familiarity with the literature of Perceptual Control Theory. But here are what I think are the best – and most accessible – books to supplement this course. All are available from newview Publishing
and can be ordered from http://www.newviewpublications.com/publications/theory-foundations
W. T. Powers, Making Sense of Behavior
W. T. Powers and R. Robertson, Introduction to Modern Psychology
W. T. Powers, Living Control Systems
P. J. Runkel, People as Living Things
Best regards
Rick
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Richard S. Marken PhD
rsmarken@gmail.com
www.mindreadings.com