Error emotions and reorganization

Bruce Gregory (2000.0807.1508)--

I have no model for reorganization. It is a primitive in my model whose

function is to replace a poorly-functioning control system with another
control system
whose "figure of merit" is radomly selected. The new system may improve
control or make it even worse. Reorganization continues until the figure of
merit
if the entire system is above some threshold.>>>

Very nicely put. Another qualitative way is to say that reorganization

continues as long as the figure of merit is not improving.

Your reply to Marc L. agrees with my understanding of how reorganization
works. Reorganization does not operate directly on intrinsic variables.

Best,

Bill P<<<

<<<Tom Bourbon
This is where our ideas about emotions differ. I guess my ideas
are more like Bill's (which are a lot like William James's old
ideas but without the PCT): non-zero error signals result in
biological changes that allow or facilities overt actions. If the
actions do not occur, or cannot occur, the biological changes are
still there and they are perceived -- as emotions.

At any rate, I have a hard time thinking about emotions as being
the same as error signals.

Let's go from there.>>>>

Thank you (all) for the responses to my questions -- I took Tom's

advice and made some changes to the Diagram and posted it on the web so it is
easier to view.

<A HREF="News, Politics, Sports, Mail & Latest Headlines - AOL.com
/PCT.html</A>

Tom you wrote:
"non-zero error signals result in biological changes that allow or
facilities overt actions. If the actions do not occur, or cannot occur, ......

I'll add: or are not effective or interfere with a competing goal.....

......the biological changes are still there and they are perceived -- as
emotions."

I may be I am missing something but I think we agree, but maybe we are seeing
two sides of the same coin. Somehow error translates to emotions. How it
happens is up for grabs.

Mark

[From Bruce Gregory (2000.0807.2035)]

8/7/00 8:25:50 PM, "Lazare, Mark Crisis counselor, Phoenix AZ" <DTSDTO@aol.com>
wrote:

Tom you wrote:
"non-zero error signals result in biological changes that allow or
facilities overt actions. If the actions do not occur, or cannot occur, ......

I'll add: or are not effective or interfere with a competing goal.....

......the biological changes are still there and they are perceived -- as
emotions."

I may be I am missing something but I think we agree, but maybe we are seeing
two sides of the same coin. Somehow error translates to emotions. How it
happens is up for grabs.

I suspect that you are thinking of "negative" emotions, since it is not obvious
that positive emotions are associated with error. Or are you arguing that they
are? I suggest that failures to control are associated with feelings of
frustration and anger.

I think the simplest place to start is by assuming that control is perfect. In
this case, actions are the result of changing reference levels rather than error.
In such a model negative emotions might be associated with conflicts.

BG