Publication Details
Cybernetics and the Theory of Cognition
(Original title: Kybernetika a teória poznania)
Filozofia, 21 (1966), 1, 46-58.Type of work: Papers and Discussions
Publication language: Slovak
Abstract
The main point in the cybernetical research of phenomena lies in the study of the compound (complex) dynamic systems from the viewpoint of the category of reflection. From the similarity of the methodological concept of cybernetics and dialectic materialism flows the close relationship of the basical concepts and categories of both-these sciences. The process of cognition as an active reflection of reality in consiousness becomes manifest by the principle of development the basis of which are two independent sources of information about reality: the cognition of the present on the one hand, and the modelling of the future based on preliminary concept material on the other. The disaccord between these two images of reality constitutes the source for the correction of the strategy of cognition. The adequateness of the reflection of reality in consciousness is related to the cybernetical concepts of isomorphism and cybernetic modelling. The process of reflection consists in the creation of the gradualness (progressivity) of information. For the quantitative expression of the informative contents there are two yardsticks. Hartley’s standard characterizes the ability of passive reflection for the description of reality. The cybernetic standard according to Shannon’s conception expresses the quantitative aspect of active reflection. The adequacy of the strategy of reflection depends on the nature of the dynamic system actually subjected to examination. Simple dynamic systems allow description on the form of deterministic laws. For the laws of compound (complex) systems there are suitable statistical methods. The compound (complex) systems require methods which take into account the principle of development. The nature of the dynamic system bears influence also on the formulation of problems. Suitable for compound dynamic sistems are formulations concerning the determination of the stability of the system according to Ashby’s conception (ultrastability) which is in rapport with the philosophical category of the standard.
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