FROM CHUCK TUCKER 960117.15:17.35 EST
LOOP.EML
In answer to the same statement by Shannon:
Rick (960115.1000) writes:
No variable in the loop has a priviledged status
as the cause of the behavior of any other variable
in the loop; p is no more important as a cause of
e than e is as a cause of p. However, there is
only one variable in this loop that is controlled
(brought to a particular state and maintained
against disturbance); the perceptual variable, p.
The loop keeps p = r. If there is no explicit
reference, then the loop keeps p = 0.
Then, Bill (960116.1300 MST) writes:
I do agree that saying "behaviors exist to control
perceptions" is somewhat fuzzy. The prime mover is
the reference signal, not the behavior. But the
statement does have this meaning: there is no reason
to think that any behavior exists except as part of
a negative feedback control system that maintains
its perceptual input near the level specified by a
reference signal (even if the reference signal is
zero). The only exception to this is during
reorganization, when behaviors may be emitted which
do not succeed in controlling an input. But those
behaviors soon go away.
Of course, as an expert in PCT I'm not confused but someone who
is learning (and, in this instance, being "corrected") might
find these statements confusing. See what I mean?
Regards, Chuck