[From Dag Forssell (950215 1630)]
I found some improvements to page one since I kept working in my
mind on these promotional documents. Gary, please replace page
one. Gary, I agree with your comment to Bill Silvert. To my mind
the purpose of these documents is not on-line reading, but
downloading, where ASCII does a good job, accessible to all.
Best, Dag
···
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PCT Introduction and Resource Guide Page one
PCT INTRODUCTION AND RESOURCE GUIDE
UNDERSTANDING PURPOSEFUL BEHAVIOR
Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) offers a clear explanation for the
pervasive phenomenon of control, which is also known as purposeful
behavior. Hierarchical PCT (HPCT) outlines a hierarchical
arrangement as a likely organization of multiple control systems,
which can explain the purposeful behavior of living organisms. PCT
focuses on how we look at and experience things, and the way these
perceptions are compared with experiences we want. The difference
produces action and physiology. Thus PCT explains how thoughts
become actions, feelings and results. PCT improves our
understanding of behavior, conflict, cooperation, leadership, and
personal relationships in education, business, society and
families.
LOOK UNDER THE HOOD OR TAKE A TEST RIDE?
If this is your first encounter with PCT, you might think of
yourself and others as experienced with horses when the newfangled
PCT automobile drives into town, introducing a new science and new
possibilities. Some people will stick with the familiar horse,
some will want to kick the tires and learn all about how the engine
works to evaluate the auto, and some will want a test ride.
If you would rather take a test ride first, to get a feel for the
PCT approach to travel, I suggest you go to Freedom From Stress by
Edward E. Ford (page 14 and 16). You tour the landscape and watch
Ed drive while he gives you a summary explanation of how a car
works and why he teaches driving the way he does, in an
easy-to-read counseling story that deals with relationships at
work, in marriage, and with children.
To become an expert driver yourself, able to think and deal with
conflict like Ed does in real time, you may want more in-depth
understanding. Proceed to other books and programs in this guide
for a more complete education. You might be inspired to become a
PCT engineer yourself, join the Control Systems Group to do
research and find better ways to drive on the many roads of human
experience.
WHAT PCT IS (PCT in a nutshell, p. 8, The nature of HPCT, p. 12).
Let me explain what PCT and HPCT is by relating to
"reverse-engineering." Suppose you manufacture electronic products
and your competitor has just introduced a marvelous, very capable,
product of unknown design. It is difficult to figure out how the
new device was made, because it is made up of millions of
components.
To "reverse-engineer" it you 1) describe what the device does (how
it behaves), and 2) suggest physical explanations which allow you
to design a circuit or mechanism which will perform just like the
unknown product in all circumstances. Now the explanations work
satisfactorily. You can say you understand how the device works.
As a science explaining or "reverse-engineering" human beings,
contemporary psychology has spent most of its time on step 1) and
has tried but failed with step 2). PCT proposes an organization or
physical model of the nervous system. We can test the PCT model by
letting it behave by itself, and compare the result with the
behavior of the real thing _people. Since it is ourselves we
reverse-engineer, we naturally require that the explanation and
model we come up with feels right; that it intuitively makes sense
to us when we are told how we work. Simulations and personal
experience indicate that PCT is a valid model. PCT appears to be
the first approach to step 2) that holds up to critical scientific
scrutiny and is worth refining.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PCT Introduction and Resource Guide Page two