《控制论导论》读书：基本概念

前言

本系列读书笔记主要来自W.R.Ashby的《控制论导论》一书。该书最先成于上个世纪60年代，如今已绝版且未再版。Ashby本人对控制论在生物医学领域的应用有深入的研究，该书也进行了一定阐释。作为一个对复杂系统理论感兴趣的医学工作者，决定先将此书作为一入门读物加以学习。尽管复杂系统理论需要高深的数学知识，但具备一些最基础的概念总是有所裨益的。
令我开心的是，本书中未使用任何复杂的数学方法，并且有许多生动鲜明的示例和问题。
我会尽量遵从书中的阐述进行整理，并加上自己认为恰当的补充或发散。

控制论Cybernetics

• “掌舵术”

“theory or study of communication and control,” coined 1948 by U.S. mathematician Norbert Wiener (1894-1964), with -ics + Latinized form of Greek kybernetes “steersman” (metaphorically “guide, governor”), from kybernan “to steer or pilot a ship, direct as a pilot,” figuratively “to guide, govern,” which is of uncertain origin. Beekes agrees that “the word has no cognates” and concludes “Foreign origin is probable.” The construction is perhaps based on