Origins and Core Concepts of Cybernetics

Describe the historical context of cybernetics, including Norbert Wiener's work and the Macy Conferences.

Explain cybernetics as the study of control and communication in animals and machines.

Define circular causality and illustrate it with examples from biological and engineered systems.

Explain goal-directed (teleological) behavior from a cybernetic perspective.

Define homeostasis and explain its significance as a core cybernetic concept.

Contrast cybernetic thinking with reductionist approaches to understanding complex phenomena.