[From: Richard Pfau (2017.08.21 11:25 DST)]
Boris,
Thank you for your feedback and questions. Starting with the first one, I tried to use the LCS III diagram in my book Your Behavior but never received permission to do so from the copyright holder. And so I used the version of the basic PCT control loop shown on page 36 of the book.
The International Association for Perceptual Control Theory (IAPCT) is the new name of the Control Systems Group (CSG) as adopted by the CSG Board at it’s recent meeting 4-5 August 2017 at Northwestern University. Amendment of the By Laws at the meeting included changing the formal name of the organization.
Regarding your other questions about changing control loop functions and error signals (i.e., HB : How can you change »input function« ? HB : How you activate and change references in hierarchy or in organism ? HB : How you change »comparator« ? HB : How you change »output function« ?), there seem to be three ways of doing so:
(1) by stimulating or inhibiting neural signals within existing control systems networks that comprise a function [such as by “priming” neurons of the function; by using drugs; and in other ways indicated in the paper]
(2) by changing the physical structure and organization of neurons that comprise a function [this being the process called “reorganization” by Bill Powers, which is occurs through a person’s own experiences and can be influenced by the actions of others such as through the arrangement of learning experiences]
(3) and by establishing new control systems [which seems to occur by a person first acquiring the ability to perceive a new variable, then developing a preference for some value of that variable, and , finally, by learning how to produce the outputs necessary to control those new perceptions – apparently according to Goldstein (1990) who was referring to Powers (1989)]
The above ways seem applicable to the Input Function, References, and the Output Function as indicated in the paper. I did not deal directly with changing the Comparator, but referred to it in the context of Error Signals, whose importance when they are detected as feelings/affect/emotions seem to be changeable by techniques such as Mindfulness meditation, Reflection, and related Heuristics/rules of thumb such as “relax, take 3 deep breaths, then consider what is happening.”
At a physiological level, all of the above-mentioned techniques involve changing neurons and neural networks involved in a PCT function or signal, either temporarily (such as by increasing or decreasing the sensitivity of those neurons) or more permanently (though the reorganization of existing neural networks or the creation of new neural networks/control systems).
Thank you again for your feedback and stimulating questions. I hope that your questions have been answered.
With Regards,
Richard
Vice President: International Association for Perceptual Control Theory
Website: richardpfau.com
Author of: Your Behavior: Understanding and Changing the Things You Do (2017)
PS: Since some of my e-mails do not seem to be distributed to all csgnet subscribers, I am also sending this as a “cc” to you (and to Dag Forssell who is often a “non-receiver”)
···
-----Original Message-----
From: Boris Hartman boris.hartman@masicom.net
To: csgnet csgnet@lists.illinois.edu
Sent: Mon, Aug 21, 2017 8:26 am
Subject: RE: PCT Paper Presented at the CSG/IAPCT Meeting 4 August
Richard,
amazing change from your book. It seems that you included some of my »fresh« remarks to your book. I speccially liked »new« diagram (LCS III) which is by my oppinion the fundament for interpretation of PCT which Rick descibed as better »version« of PCT explanation than he has. He of course hasn’t any adequate explanation of PCT.
So I think your »shift« is enormous. Congratulations. This could be a real good start for Second Edition of your book.
It would be worth listening to your »presentation«. But can you explain to me, what is International Association for Perceptual Control Theory (IAPCT/CSG) ?
Just »fast tour« through your »presentation« showed some places where I think I don’t quite understand what you meant ? I think that genetically defined structures in organism can’t be changed by control. For ex.:
**1. ** Changing the Input Function and Related Perceptual Signals
HB : How can you change »input function« ?
**2. ** Activating or Changing Reference Signals
HB : How you activate and change references in hierarchy or in organism ?
**3. ** Changing the Comparator and Related Error Signals
HB : How you change »comparator« ?
**4. ** Changing the Output Function and Related Output Quantities
HB : How you change »output function« ?
There may be some other »irregularities«. Maybe I’ll find them when I’ll carefully read your text.
I’m glad that you make a necessary shift from RCT (Ricks Control Theory) to PCT. Speccially change in diagram is important because by my oppinion it’s fundamental for any PCT explanation.
Best,
Boris
From: richardpfau4153@aol.com [mailto:richardpfau4153@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, August 07, 2017 6:43 PM
To: csgnet@listserv.illinois.edu; csgnet@lists.illinois.edu
Subject: PCT Paper Presented at the CSG/IAPCT Meeting 4 August
[From: Richard Pfau (2017.08.07 12: 35 EDT)]
If you are interested, attached is a paper titled “Using Perceptual Control Theory as a Framework for Influencing and Changing Behavior – 2017 Version” that I presented at the recent International Association for Perceptual Control Theory (IAPCT/CSG) meeting.