e = r - p

CSGnet Archive CSG1996
1

[From Bill Powers (960110.1340 MST)]

Shannon Williams (960110.lunch time) --

    You, the external observer, look at the sum effect of these
    emmissions and name the module an input-output system with bias.

Why not?

     Because then we are contrained to view the system in terms of 'e=r-
     p', rather than try to understand why the system acts like 'e=r-p'.

We are still out of communication. I asked before what you mean when you
say "the loop." To that, I now have to add two more items, so the list
is now

What do you mean by 'r'?
What do you mean by 'p'?
What do you mean by 'the loop?'

You're evidently coming from a whole different approach to modeling
organisms, and as a consequence using PCT terms in way I don't
recognize. So if you would answer these questions, we might at least
make a start toward finding out why you don't like "e = r - p." Right
now I haven't the vaguest idea.

···

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Best,

Bill P.

2

[From Shannon Williams (960110.afternoon)]

Bill Powers (960110.1340 MST)--

What do you mean by 'p'?

p is the input into the system.

The input can be from visual input, tactile input, an input from some
internal system that is not part of the brain, an input from some system
that is part of the brain, etc. P is just 'the signals coming in'.

What do you mean by 'r'?

r is what p is supposed to look like.

* What do you mean by 'e'?
* (You didn't ask this, but I need it to answer your last question).

'e' is the signal that is generated when r <> p. e causes an effect on the
world external to the system such that p is made to look like r.

What do you mean by 'the loop?'

The loop is:

···

-----------------------------------------
        > >
       \|/ |
        p --> e ---> affect on outer world ----

-Shannon