TRIAL and ERROR
Charles François (2004). TRIAL and ERROR, International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(2): 3644.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 3644 ▶ |
| Object type | General information |
An empirical method tending to solve some problem or establish some theory through repeated experiments, reducing progressively the uncertainty.
Trial and errors methods are costly. One of the uses of systemics, as proposed by L.von BERTALANFFY, is to guide this type of research, using metaphors, analogies and, if possible homomorphies or, better still isomorphies with problems already solved in other disciplines. General models, as for example regulation by feedback, dynamic stability, dissipative structuration, etc… may give an insight to the experimenter, aiding her/him in looking for some specific features. Of course such possible short-cuts should be used prudently.