[from Gary Cziko 950116.1552 GMT]
Rick Marken (950115.2200) agreed with Bruce Abbott:
. . . there can be a correct reference
output sequence that produces a (program-level, in this case) perception. If
I were still committed to argumentation, I probably would be inclined to
point out that the existence of disturbances makes it impossible for
there to be a "correct" reference output sequence in a control system.
Rick, you should have gone on to explain that it depends on what type of
disturbance it is. For example, a basketball player who is good at sinking
foul shots has reference levels for the configurations and velocities of
parts of his body which will automatically resist disturbances such as
fatiguing muscles and the added limb weight caused by perspiration. But if
the basket has been mounted higher or lower than usual he will be in
trouble if he does not adjust these reference levels in order to keep
making foul shots (higher-level goal). And if someone has paid him to lose
the game, he will need to adjust even his goal of making foul shots.--Gary