[From Bruce Buchanan 941206.10:00 EST]
[Rick Marken (941205.1230)] wrote:
I was thinking that one way to state the message of PCT is in terms of "The
golden rule". There are two versions of this rule: 1) (the original) "do unto
others..." and 2) (the more recent) "the one with the gold rules". The
message of PCT is:Version 1) of the golden rule is a good idea; version 2) is wrong.
There is a third version, apparently known in legal/financial circles
(according to D. Christensen in his recent book "Surviving the Coming
Mutual Fund Crisis) viz - 3) "He who makes the rules gets the gold".
Now, an interpretation of these rules in control systems theory (I say
hesitantly and with due trepidation :-)) might be:
1) "Do unto others as ye would..." is indeed a good idea in terms of
reciprocal cooperation but runs risk of poor outcomes because perceptions
may - actually always must - differ. So this principle is qualified by
PCT.
2) "The one with the gold rules" is an observation of fact, and an implied
prescription for those who would rule. The societal control is tangible
economic support and reward. While perception is involved, the linkages and
feedback are economic and physical in the external world, not part of the
internal perceptual apparatus. So this version is not wrong, but it is not
covered by PCT. (Or have I got this wrong?)
3) "He who makes the rules gets the gold" is also an observation and
implied prescription for control, but through deliberate manipulation of
legal and financial obligations and benefits - e.g. assigning
responsibilities for risk and possible losses to shareholders rather than
institutions or governments, etc.
A larger point might be the view that the latter two sets of societal
system relationships are real and important, although not within the
framework nor adequately described by PCT. They nevertheless have an
impact, as part of the system environment, as it were, upon the fortunes of
PCT ideas and their acceptance.
If this is correct it may important. If it is not correct where is the error?
Yours in controversy,
Cheers!
Bruce B.