DEVIATION -- AMPLIFICATION PROCESS
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 906 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Methodology or model |
A process resulting from constantly repeated positive feedback.
This type of processes correspond to M. MARUYAMA's “mutual-causal relationships that amplify an insignificant or accidental initial kick, build up deviation and diverge from the initial condition” (1963, p.165). It easily leads to runaway situations or widening fluctuations, sometimes destructive or, in other cases eventually conducive to dissipative structuration.
MARUYAMA describes these processes as resulting from positive feedback and leading to morphogenesis.
However some caveats should be taken in account:
- Any unchecked positive feedback leads unavoidedly to the destruction of the system because it rapidly overwhelms the capacity of the environmental sources to sustain the process (Fires, hyper-inflation, market crashes)
- Amplified fluctuations may lead to dissipative structuration, as in PRIGOGINE's thermodynamics. In this case, they lead to the emergence of a more complex system.
- In MARUYAMA's examples positive feedbacks are generally controlled by self-limitating reciprocal rules, within a limited substrate. A constant source of energy is not specified, but obviously necessary. These are the factors that orient and put morphogenesis on a defined track. Such processes are quite similar to J. CONWAY's games of life.
As understood by MARUYAMA, and according to R.L. HOLLOWAY Jr. “Deviation — amplification adds the dimension of time and direction to… the generation of structure by incorporating the necessary loop of positive feedback” (1966, p.7).