Cybernetics and American Youth Subculture

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Cybernetics and American Youth Subculture
From Wikipedia In 1947, Wiener decided to
introduce the neologism cybernetics into his
scientific theory. The name cybernetics was
coined to denote the study of "teleological
mechanisms In the early 1940s John von Neumann
contributed cellular automata, and their logical
follow up the Von Neumann Universal Constructor.
The result of these deceptively simple
thought-experiments was the concept of self
replication which cybernetics adopted as a core
concept. The concept that the same properties of
genetic reproduction applied to social memes,
living cells, and even computer viruses is
further proof of the somewhat surprising
universality of cybernetic study.
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Cybernetics founded on Control Theory analogies
between machines and biology
Negative feedback in engineering
thermoregulation
Negative feedback in biology thermoregulation
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A cybernetics mystery morphogenesis
Nature is full of analog systems that have
mysterious patterns
Machines have digital systems can they replicate
those patterns?
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Cybernetics founders
Norbert Wiener
John von Neumann
Develops mathematical models for feedback particularly analog systems Develops mathematical model for top-down architecture of digital computer
Collaborate with labor unions to prevent displacement of workers from automation announces he will cease collaboration with military. FBI opens file on him as suspected communist. Pushes for more nuclear weapons development, claims radiation not that bad. Pushes for first strike against USSR. Develops Cellular Automata in context of machines that survive nuclear strike.
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The political polarization of cybernetics basins
of attraction
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Coupling between political and technological maps
in Bateson versus Mead
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Youth subculture 1967
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Youth subculture 1977
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