Why is Wimbledon top billing on summer TV? Why do we admire sportsmen and artists rather than salesmen and lawyers? Why are we attracted to strong political leaders, where flexible responsive leadership is demonstrably more effective? Drawing on control theory, this book looks at the range of questions that can be examined via this theory. This is a layperson's introduction to control theory, explaining how control affects politics and economics as well as the more obvious fields of science and technology. Gosling begins ...
Read More
Why is Wimbledon top billing on summer TV? Why do we admire sportsmen and artists rather than salesmen and lawyers? Why are we attracted to strong political leaders, where flexible responsive leadership is demonstrably more effective? Drawing on control theory, this book looks at the range of questions that can be examined via this theory. This is a layperson's introduction to control theory, explaining how control affects politics and economics as well as the more obvious fields of science and technology. Gosling begins with an exposition of the main elements of control theory. these are: negative feedback (stimulus and response in opposite directions eg a central-heating system), positive feedback (stimulus and response in the same direction eg an arms race), open-loop system (process with all parameters decided at outset eg throwing a dart), closed-loop system (process with feedback control eg an autopilot). Gosling's main theme is that humans have a fatal attraction towards open-loop sytems: we idolize people who are good at open-loop control, such as artists, sportsmen or inventors. Gosling ends with a futurology of the end of the Industrial Revolution, as predicted by control processes.
Read Less
Add this copy of Helmsmen and Heroes: Control Theory as a Key to Past to cart. $20.74, very good condition, Sold by Brit Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milton Keynes, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1995 by George Weidenfeld & Nicolson Ltd.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
Add this copy of Helmsmen and Heroes: Control Theory as a Key to Past to cart. $327.26, very good condition, Sold by Reuseabook rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Gloucester, GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1994 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine.