RE: Statistical Control and Purpose

["Vic Forte" <vic@vichara.f9.co.uk>]

You may find it of interest to look into some of the ideas of Ross
Ashby one of the founders of modern systems theory. Take a look at his
article "Principles of Self Organisation."

Quote:

"every isolated, determinant dynamic system obeying unchanging laws
will develop organisms that are adapted to their environments." "The
argument is simple enough in principle. We start with the fact that
systems in general go to equilibrium.

Here's another quote:

"The primary fact is that all isolated state-determined dynamic
systems are selective: from whatever state they have initially, they
go towards states of equilibrium. These states of equilibrium are
always characterised, in their relation to the change-inducing laws of
the system, by being exceptionally resistant. "

For more information on Ross Ashby take a look at

http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/ASHBBOOK.html

Ashby's writings are also available in electronic format thanks to his
grandson Mick Ashby who has produced an electronic version of his
classic "Introduction to Cybernetics".

Best Wishes,
Vic Forte, vic@vichara.f9.co.uk
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