Interdisciplinary Handbook of Perceptual Control Theory Volume II: Living in the Loop

By Warren Mansell (Author), this comprehensive handbook brings together the latest research, theory, and applications from W. T. Powers’ Perceptual Control Theory (PCT). PCT proposes that the behavior of a living organism lies in the control of perceived aspects of both itself and its environment.

Comprehensive Coverage

The handbook covers a broad range of topics, including:

• Theory: A deep dive into the fundamentals of PCT and its implications for understanding human behavior and the environment.
• Applications: Case studies illustrating how PCT can be applied in different disciplines, providing insights into its practical applications.
• Understanding Human Nature: An exploration of how perceptual control is fundamental to understanding human nature, shedding light on the intricacies of human behavior.
• Brain Processes and Behavior: A new way to conduct research on brain processes and behavior, offering a fresh perspective on the complex interplay between the brain and behavior.
• Natural Selection: Demystifying the role of natural selection in behavior, providing a clearer understanding of the evolutionary forces that shape behavior.
• Robotics: How engineers can emulate human purposeful behavior in robots, paving the way for more advanced artificial intelligence.

Author Biographies

Each chapter includes an author biography, providing context for their work within the development of PCT and highlighting their contributions to the field.

Key Features

This handbook offers:

• Case studies that demonstrate the practical applications of PCT across various disciplines.
• The Test for the Controlled Variable (TCV) and the construction of functional models as alternatives to mainstream experimental design when studying behavior.
• Insights into how theory illuminates structure and functions in brain anatomy.
• A comparison and contrast of PCT with other contemporary, interdisciplinary theories, providing a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical landscape.

Publication Details

Published by Elsevier Science on May 16, 2020, this handbook is available in English. The ISBNs are 9780128189481 and 9780128189498.