CONTROL (Negative)
Charles François (2004). CONTROL (Negative), International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(1): 691.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 691 ▶ |
| Object type | Human sciences, Methodology or model |
- “A means whereby courses are changed as to escape threats” (G. VICKERS, 1957, p.4).
VICKERS states: “Negative control reminds us that every system works within limits which cannot be passed without disaster. Some conditions must be preserved if the assembly is to hold together.”
- “… Thus all positive goal seeking, with the positive control which it involves, takes place within the framework of negative control, which ensures the continuance of the system” (p.4).
- “… The control is designed to sense when the assembly is approaching the danger point; before this is reached, it remains inactive” (p.6).
Undoubtly, many contemporary problems in demographic, ecological and economic systems are a result of the general and obstinate ignorance of this concept of countervailing controls (enounced in 1957!).