Fundamentals of Cybernetics
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Advanced Cybernetics course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Algorithms #
A set of rules or instructions given to a computer to solve a problem or accomplish a task. In cybernetics, algorithms can be used for various tasks such as data analysis, optimization, and decision-making.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) #
The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. AI includes various techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. In cybernetics, AI is used to develop intelligent systems that can interact with their environment and make decisions based on the feedback they receive.
Autopoiesis #
A term coined by Chilean biologists Humberto Maturana and Francisco Varela to describe the self-organizing and self-maintaining properties of living systems. Autopoiesis refers to the ability of a system to maintain its identity and organization while continuously interacting with its environment. In cybernetics, autopoiesis is used to describe the behavior of self-organizing systems such as cells, organisms, and social systems.
Bifurcation #
A point in a system where a small change in input can cause a large change in output. Bifurcations can lead to the emergence of new patterns and behaviors in a system. In cybernetics, bifurcations are studied in the context of nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory.
Black Box #
A system or device whose internal workings are unknown or not relevant to its external behavior. In cybernetics, a black box can be modeled as a system with inputs and outputs, without knowing the details of its internal structure or processes.
Circular Causality #
A feedback loop in which a change in one variable causes a change in another variable, which in turn causes a change in the first variable. Circular causality is a fundamental concept in cybernetics, as it describes the feedback mechanisms that govern the behavior of complex systems.
Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) #
Systems that can adapt and learn from their environment through the interaction of their components. CAS are characterized by their emergent properties, which arise from the collective behavior of their agents rather than from their individual properties. In cybernetics, CAS are studied as a way to understand the behavior of complex systems such as social networks, ecosystems, and markets.
Cybernetics #
The study of communication and control in machines and living systems. Cybernetics is concerned with the feedback mechanisms that govern the behavior of systems, and how they can be modeled, designed, and optimized.
Determinism #
The philosophical belief that every event or state of affairs is determined by a chain of causes and effects. In cybernetics, determinism is challenged by the emergence of complex and unpredictable behavior in systems, which cannot be fully explained by their initial conditions.
Entropy #
A measure of the disorder or randomness of a system. In cybernetics, entropy is used to describe the amount of information required to describe a system's state or behavior. High entropy systems are more difficult to predict and control than low entropy systems.
Feedback #
The process by which a system's output is used as input to the same system, in order to regulate its behavior. Feedback is a fundamental concept in cybernetics, as it describes the mechanisms by which systems can self-regulate and adapt to their environment.
Homeostasis #
The ability of a system to maintain a stable and consistent state, despite changes in its environment or internal processes. Homeostasis is achieved through feedback mechanisms that regulate the system's behavior and compensate for external or internal disturbances.
Information Theory #
The mathematical study of information and its properties. Information theory is used in cybernetics to quantify the amount of information required to describe a system's state or behavior, and to design optimal communication and control systems.
Intelligence #
The ability of a system to learn, reason, and solve problems. Intelligence is a fundamental concept in cybernetics, as it describes the capacity of systems to adapt and respond to their environment.
Learning #
The process by which a system changes its behavior or internal state based on experience or feedback. Learning is a key component of intelligent systems, as it enables them to adapt and improve their performance over time.
Nonlinear Dynamics #
The study of systems whose behavior is not proportional to their inputs or perturbations. Nonlinear dynamics is a fundamental concept in cybernetics, as it describes the emergence of complex and unpredictable behavior in systems.
Optimization #
The process of finding the best possible solution to a problem or objective. Optimization is a key component of cybernetics, as it enables the design and control of systems that can achieve desired outcomes while minimizing costs or risks.
Predictability #
The ability to accurately forecast or estimate the behavior of a system based on its initial conditions or past performance. Predictability is a key challenge in cybernetics, as many systems exhibit complex and unpredictable behavior that cannot be fully explained by their initial conditions or external factors.
Self #
Organization: The ability of a system to spontaneously form complex structures or patterns without external direction or control. Self-organization is a fundamental concept in cybernetics, as it describes the emergence of order and structure in complex systems.
Synergy #
The interaction of two or more systems or components that produces a combined effect greater than the sum of their individual effects. Synergy is a key concept in cybernetics, as it describes the emergence of new properties and behaviors in complex systems.
Teleology #
The belief that systems have an inherent purpose or goal-directedness. Teleology is a controversial concept in cybernetics, as it challenges the reductionist view of systems as mere collections of parts.
Turing Test #
A test of a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of a human. The Turing Test is a key concept in cybernetics, as it provides a benchmark for the development of intelligent systems.
Variability #
The amount of diversity or randomness in a system's behavior or performance. Variability is a key challenge in cybernetics, as it can make it difficult to predict or control the behavior of complex systems.