[From Peter Burke (8/4/98 4:35PM PDT)]
I am probably a bit late on the uptake, and may well be redundant at this
point on the topic of choice (since I get the digest a day late), but given
the continuous nature of perception on the input side and activity (I like
that label) on the output side, I don't see where "choice" exists at all.
Our perceptions are manifold and constantly in flux, our reference signals
at all levels are constantly in flux, our activity is constantly managing
perceptions. There is no stopping point where a "choice" or "decision" is
made. One only needs to ask what perceptions are being controlled? If there
are several, and there is conflict, then we feel the usual twinge of some
emotional responses that accompany conflict and disturbances. Images may go
through our minds (potentialities, possibilities, etc.) but, these too are
aspects of the activity that is activated by the error signal. Is there
something special that needs a special label of "decision"? I haven't seen
it yet.
Peter
···
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peter J. Burke Phone: 509/335-3249
Professor and Scientist Fax: 509/335-6419
Department of Sociology E-mail: burkep@wsu.edu
Washington State University http://burkep.libarts.wsu.edu
Pullman, WA 99164-4020