Active Regulation
Last updated on 2014-10-03
About the Book
Active Regulation is Volume 3 in the General Systems Thinking series that begins with the world-wide best-selling, An Introduction to General Systems Thinking. (also available in ebook formats) That first series volume focused on the question,"Why do we see what we see?" The second and third books tackle the next question, namely "Why do things stay the same?"
Most people take for granted the stability they see in the world, but for systems thinkers, stability is one of the most fundamental properties, and puzzles, about the systems they struggle to understand and create. Indeed, it's such a fundamental property that it forms the topic of both this volume and its predecessor, Passive Regulation (Volume 2 in the series).
Originally part of the book, On the Design of Stable Systems, in its first, hardcover incarnation, Active Regulationdoes not just focus on computer systems, but systems of all kinds—human, natural, and technological.
In a highly readable, original presentation the Weinbergs here explore the subtle art and science of regulating systems, projects, and people in the most efficient and logical manner possible. The authors draw on their respective backgrounds in technology and social science to offer fresh insights and translate them into a language that anyone can understand.
In the course of this presentation, and with the help of dozens of figures, the Weinbergs introduce a host of laws and theorems derived from the best thinking of systems thinkers over the past century. For the most part, the regulation schemes examined in this volume are based on error-controlled regulation—in many ways the most effective of all regulation strategies.
Chapters include:
• The Search for Regulation
• The Homeostatic Heuristics
• Other Regulatory Heuristics
• Types of Regulatory Mechanisms
• Regulation and Environment
• When the Model Fails
• Making Regulation Mysterious
• Overly Simple Views of Regulation
• Blindness and Reversed Vision
The book also contains an extensive bibliography and an appendix explaining some useful mathematical notation.
In addition to being a reference book for professional and lay people alike, Active Regulation is suitable as an undergraduate text in the humanities, social, natural, and engineering sciences. It is unique in its approach, highly readable, and offers practical ways of solving problems.
Bundles that include this book
About the Authors
Dani and Jerry Weinberg live in New Mexico with their German Shepherd Dogs. They are internationally respected for their innovative thinking on both human and technical issues.
Dani has a PhD in anthropology and was a university professor and an organizational consultant before retiring to become a full-time dog trainer. She brings her knowledge about learning and communication systems to her work with both dogs and people, helping people enhance all their human and animal relationships. Dani is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and an evaluator for the Warm Hearts Network at Animal Humane New Mexico. Both Dani and Jerry are Field Instructors for Paws With a Cause, a national organization that trains and places assistance dogs.
Jerry (Gerald M.) Weinberg focuses on ways to help people improve their effectiveness. A highly influential author, trainer, and consultant, he draws on experiences gained in all three roles, as well as from a long technical career as a software developer and researcher. Jerry is author, coauthor, or editor of more than 60 books on topics ranging from computer systems and programming to education, thinking, and problem solving—and most recently, on writing, itself, and fiction. <www.geraldmweinberg.com>
Dani and Jerry Weinberg live in New Mexico with their German Shepherd Dogs. They are internationally respected for their innovative thinking on both human and technical issues.
Dani has a PhD in anthropology and was a university professor and an organizational consultant before retiring to become a full-time dog trainer. She brings her knowledge about learning and communication systems to her work with both dogs and people, helping people enhance all their human and animal relationships. Dani is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and an evaluator for the Warm Hearts Network at Animal Humane New Mexico. Both Dani and Jerry are Field Instructors for Paws With a Cause, a national organization that trains and places assistance dogs.
Jerry (Gerald M.) Weinberg focuses on ways to help people improve their effectiveness. A highly influential author, trainer, and consultant, he draws on experiences gained in all three roles, as well as from a long technical career as a software developer and researcher. Jerry is author, coauthor, or editor of more than 60 books on topics ranging from computer systems and programming to education, thinking, and problem solving—and most recently, on writing, itself, and fiction. <www.geraldmweinberg.com>
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