BLOCKING MECHANISM
Charles François (2004). BLOCKING MECHANISM, International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(1): 312.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 312 ▶ |
| Object type | General information |
In relation to the existence of functional cycles, J.von UEXKÚLL, as early as 1928, showed the presence in systems of mechanisms able to block functional processes when they could cross a threshold of instability.
He added that the blockage is absolute in the case of a critical threshold whose crossing would provoke the systems destruction. However, when the process leads to fluctuations within acceptable limits, the mechanism merely acts as a guideline (1979, p.l64).
von UEXKÚLL's concept may be generalized, considering that any function in a complex system appears to be controlled by a pyramid of hierarchical blocking mechanisms at different levels.
See also
Slaving Principle