<Bob Clark (940605.1412 EDT)>
Bill Powers (940601.2120)
Control, remember, does NOT require conscious attention, despite Bob
Clark.
I expect that you got this impression from my post <Bob Clark
(940516.1130)>Subject: ORIGIN OF DME - RKC. Near the end I remark:
*However further consideration suggested some characteristics that
*seem necessary. For example, the individual must be conscious --
*otherwise the systems simply continue to do whatever they were doing.
Here I am concerned with the operation of the two switches described
in B:CP, Figure 15.3. Conscious attention is necessary for changing
their settings. In brief, conscious attention is necessary for
"control" of these two switches.
Except for those systems affected by these switches, other systems
continue their operation, controlling, responding to pre-set
alternatives, etc. Most everyday situations are readily handled by
the learned systems without requiring any special attention. If the
individual is conscious, attention can be directed to these
operations as they occur, or, alternatively, as they may have been
recorded in memory.
Conscious attention to the control of these two switches is only
needed when the operating systems are "stuck." Perhaps some form of
conflict has developed. A branch-point may be lacking a
pre-established alternative. Some unplanned action(s) may be needed.
Rather than the extreme actions of reorganization (with its random
side effects), most adult humans seem have learned methods that are
adequate for resolution of ordinary problems.
Regards, Bob Clark