Cybernetics and the Philosophy of Mind

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book Cybernetics and the Philosophy of Mind by Kenneth Sayre, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Kenneth Sayre ISBN: 9781317578567
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: November 20, 2014
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Kenneth Sayre
ISBN: 9781317578567
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: November 20, 2014
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This book, published in 1976, presents an entirely original approach to the subject of the mind-body problem, examining it in terms of the conceptual links between the physical sciences and the sciences of human behaviour. It is based on the cybernetic concepts of information and feedback and on the related concepts of thermodynamic and communication-theoretic entropy.

The foundation of the approach is the theme of continuity between evolution, learning and human consciousness. The author defines life as a process of energy exchange between organism and environment, and evolution as a feedback process maintaining equilibrium between environment and reproductive group. He demonstrates that closely related feedback processes on the levels of the behaving organism and of the organism’s nervous system constitute the phenomena of learning and consciousness respectively. He analyses language as an expedient for extending human information-processing and control capacities beyond those provided by one’s own nervous system, and shows reason to be a mode of processing information in the form of concepts removed from immediate stimulus control. The last chapter touches on colour vision, pleasure and pain, intentionality, self-awareness and other subjective phenomena. Of special interest to the communication theorist and philosopher, this study is also of interest to psychologists and anyone interested in the connection between the physical and life sciences.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book, published in 1976, presents an entirely original approach to the subject of the mind-body problem, examining it in terms of the conceptual links between the physical sciences and the sciences of human behaviour. It is based on the cybernetic concepts of information and feedback and on the related concepts of thermodynamic and communication-theoretic entropy.

The foundation of the approach is the theme of continuity between evolution, learning and human consciousness. The author defines life as a process of energy exchange between organism and environment, and evolution as a feedback process maintaining equilibrium between environment and reproductive group. He demonstrates that closely related feedback processes on the levels of the behaving organism and of the organism’s nervous system constitute the phenomena of learning and consciousness respectively. He analyses language as an expedient for extending human information-processing and control capacities beyond those provided by one’s own nervous system, and shows reason to be a mode of processing information in the form of concepts removed from immediate stimulus control. The last chapter touches on colour vision, pleasure and pain, intentionality, self-awareness and other subjective phenomena. Of special interest to the communication theorist and philosopher, this study is also of interest to psychologists and anyone interested in the connection between the physical and life sciences.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Boudica's Odyssey in Early Modern England by Kenneth Sayre
Cover of the book Personal Sustainability by Kenneth Sayre
Cover of the book Argos and the Argolid (Routledge Revivals) by Kenneth Sayre
Cover of the book Gender Rituals by Kenneth Sayre
Cover of the book Beyond Vocational Education by Kenneth Sayre
Cover of the book Negotiating Critical Literacies in Classrooms by Kenneth Sayre
Cover of the book Digital Detachment by Kenneth Sayre
Cover of the book Family Perspectives in Child and Youth Services by Kenneth Sayre
Cover of the book Educational Accountability by Kenneth Sayre
Cover of the book Teaching Children English as an Additional Language by Kenneth Sayre
Cover of the book Discourse Deixis in Metafiction by Kenneth Sayre
Cover of the book Scholars, Travellers and Trade by Kenneth Sayre
Cover of the book Intellectual Leadership in Higher Education by Kenneth Sayre
Cover of the book Hitler's Last Chief of Foreign Intelligence by Kenneth Sayre
Cover of the book Practising Social Work Ethics Around the World by Kenneth Sayre
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy