[From Bruce Abbott (2013.12.20.0715 EST)]
In a previous post I discussed the difference between open-loop and closed-loop control as defined by control engineers. Yesterday I discovered that Brian Douglas’ series of YouTube videos on classical control theory begins with a lecture on this very topic, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-OqgFE9SD4 .
Bruce
[From Rick Marken (2013.12.20.0820)]
[From Bruce Abbott (2013.12.20.0715 EST)]
RM: In a previous post I discussed the difference between open-loop and
closed-loop control as defined by control engineers. Yesterday I discovered
that Brian Douglas� series of YouTube videos on classical control theory
begins with a lecture on this very topic, see
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-OqgFE9SD4 .
RM: Well, Mr. Douglas is now off my list of people to listen to about
control theory. This lecture was awful. It completely conflates
control with S-R causality. It's this kind of control theory lecture
that has led psychologists to think that they are already taking
control into account in their theories and research.
This lecture by Douglas is the perfect example of why PCT has not made
any inroads into psychology. If turning on a dish washer can be
considered an example of control ("open loop control", an oxymoron if
ever there was one) then certainly getting subjects to respond to an
independent variable is an example of control as well. So why, the
psychologists ask themselves, are all these PCT people yelling at us
for ignoring the controlling done by living organisms. We already know
all about this, thanks to people like Mr. Douglas.
So I come back to Warren's original evaluation of these control theory
lectures; fagget about 'em; stick to Bill Powers!
Best
Rick
--
Richard S. Marken PhD
www.mindreadings.com
The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation.
-- Bertrand Russell