History and epistemology of early cybernetics: the case of the homeostat
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Abstract
W. R. Ashby is known as a central figure of the mid-twentieth century cybernetics movement. Here his historical significance concerning the following development of the cognitive and behavioral sciences is assessed. Specifically, the paper focuses on the epistemological and methodological assumptions and implications behind the homeostat, a famous cybernetic device presented by Ashby during the 1952 Macy conference in order to study adaptive behavior. On the one hand, the contact points between the behavioral tradition in psychology and the theoretical and programmatic statement underlying the homeostat are considered: Over and above Ashby’s strong behaviorist roots, it will be shown how the homeostat also clearly departs from behaviorism. On the other hand, the guidelines of a solid philosophy of scientific modeling stemming from Ashby’s early contribution are highlighted.
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