PREDICTOR
Charles François (2004). PREDICTOR. International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(2): 2614.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 2614 ▶ |
| Object type | Methodology or model |
A situation or setting which implies up to a point some future states of a system.
The concept has been used by R. ROSEN, who applies it to initial concentrations of some metabolites in a biosynthetic pathway. ROSEN understands that such a setting amounts to a preadaptation (1991a, p.544).
In any system, the present state, as well as its functional nature, implies definite limits to possible future transformations. It may for instance:
- absolutely preclude some
- make some others very improbable
- make others more or less probable.
- render some others unavoidable.
While in some cases the predictor defines quite precisely the future timing (chemical reactions), in others this prediction remains elusive (earthquakes, economic recessions).