[asplake]

> How does the body react to imbalances in some internally-relevant biomarkers?

How systems regulate themselves (and also perpetuate themselves) is the question behind cybernetics, and in the organisational context, management cybernetics. The problem generalises way beyond biology. The information theoretic and control implications are fascinating.

(I’m writing a book on the subject; ping me if interested)

[hdarshane]

Yes! I think it was a parallel study between nervous systems and electrical engineering principles by Wiener et al. that kickstarted cybernetics?

Interesting! Will ping you!

[weavermarquez]

If you're interested in getting an introduction to cybernetics, theres:

1. Ashby's introduction, but that's from the 60s.

Foundational, but is limited to 1st order cybernetics.

2. E. W. Udo Küppers, A Transdisciplinary Introduction to the World of Cybernetics (2023): https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-658-42117-5

Provided a broad picture and basic intro to the history, central concepts, and various involved thinkers involved.

3. Stuart Umpleby's 6 hour lectures on the Fundamentals and History of Cybernetics (2006): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB81F4FC0EDC4DECC

Provides a historical overview and introduction to applications of cybernetics in social sciences.

Crucially, Umpleby's history mentions the exact reason why Cybernetics never quite took off in America (well, aside from the fact that it was just difficult to fit into a disciplinary box). Heinz von Foerster, head of the Biological Computer Laboratory, did not want to provide a b.s. military justification for Dept. of Defense funding after the Mansfield Amendment -- (which, was passed in response to student protests of divestment from the Vietnam War).

[hdarshane]

Huge thanks for the list! Interesting to wonder just how influential or generally just of what nature cybernetics would be today without funding issues, lack of categorisability and the field slowly drifting away from the original vision Wiener had.