[From Bjorn Simonsen (2002,06,15,12:53)EST]
from Rick Marken (2002.06.14.1440)
Recently, I have read a number of papers that seem to get very close to the
perceptual control theory concept of behavior. But they never really get
there, where "there" is the idea that behavior is the _control of
perception_.
Indeed, these papers seem to get everywhere but "there". They get feedback,
they get control, they even get perception (to some extent). But they never
get _control of perception_. It's as though the idea were transparent or
were
shielded by a big sign saying "Don't go there".
Reading this stuff makes me realize how lucky I am, not only to have
discovered _Behavior: The control of perception_ but to have taken the
time
and effort to _learn it_. What an amazing discovery Bill Powers made. And
how
beautifully and clearly he described (and continues to describe) it.
Thanks again, Bill.
For my own part I will append that it was a great experience reading B:CP.
But the main thing is that I learned much more the next times I read/studied
(section for section) the same book.
You said it was beautifully and clearly described. You are maybe right, but
I really had a hard work studying his chapter 8 Second-order Control
Systems: Sensation Control or Vector Control. After re-studying this chapter
for time number n, I agree. Now I see how beautifully and clearly it is
described. (I prefer the concept "Vector Control")
Also I have realized how lucky I am who have learned PCT. And I look forward
to work with model building. Here I discover and see PCT in a way I don't
experience when I read or write.
Thanks Bill, you and your writings have been significant for me and my
well-being. I have a good time when I work with PCT and I look forward to
work with your theories every next day. Thanks again.
[From Lloyd Klinedinst (2002.06.16.1200 CDT)]
from Bjorn Simonsen (2002,06,15,12:53)EST
From Rick Marken (2002.06.14.1440)
I add to both your comments, gentlemen. I especially agree with Bjorn:
after repeated readings (which I find necessary, valuable, and
enjoyable) I am only more impressed with the discovery, clarity and
cogency with which Bill Powers has viewed living systems and our
behavior. So on this Father's Day, thanks, Bill, for fathering such a
challenging child. What developmental stages PCT has yet to grow
through! My imagination falters...
PS Bjorn, the vector control meant a lot to me also, when I read it.
Lloyd Klinedinst (2002.06.16.1200 CDT)
Bjorn Simonsen (2002,06,15,12:53)EST
Rick Marken (2002.06.14.1440)
David Wolsk (2002.06.16)
The list grows. I guess I am old enough to be a father to some of you. It's
good to think there is a legacy to leave for you and all the others who
have stuck by me through all the years. I hope your support will be
vindicated while you're around to enjoy the sensation.
It's good to think there is a legacy to leave for you
and all the others who have stuck by me through all
the years. I hope your support will be vindicated
while you're around to enjoy the sensation.
It's vindicated every time the square I'm controlling in my "Mind
Readings" demo is filled in; it is vindicated every time the e. coli
circle is brought to the target in the "Selection of consequences" demo;
it is vindicated every time the little fielder catches a fly ball in the
catching demo; it is vindicated when I write a model of prescribing
errors or "bimanual control" that acts just like the real thing. Very
enjoyable sensation (whatever that means;-)).
Best regards
Rick
···
--
Richard S. Marken, Ph.D.
The RAND Corporation
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E-mail: rmarken@rand.org