Encompassing system dynamics: learning

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        <b>Encompassing system dynamics: learning</b>
      
      
        
      
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        The learning dimension is introduced by Arthur Young in attempting to formalize how a free 
        agent "interferes" with any system. The resulting freedom or unpredictability is then part 
        of the system He points out that a minimum of six observations are then required to 
        determine the behaviour of the free agent:
      
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        To know the position of a body in space, we need one instantaneous observation (for 
        instance, the photo finish of a race). 
      
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        To know its velocity, which is computed from the difference in position of the body and 
        the difference in time between the two observations, we need two such observations. 
      
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        To know its acceleration, we need three observations. 
      
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        To know that a body, for example, a vehicle, is under control, and thus distinguish it 
        from one in which the controls are stuck, we need at least four observations. That is, we 
        need three to know acceleration and one more to know that acceleration has been changed. 
        (This still does not tell us the body's destination or goal). 
      
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        To know the destination, provided the operator does not change his mind or try to fool us, 
        we need five observations. 
      
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        To know the operator has changed his mind or is trying to fool us, we need six 
        observations." (1978,p.18). 
      
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        Young noted that observation "categories five and six repeat the cycle", the fifth falling 
        into a position category (like the first), and the sixth falling into a velocity category 
        (like the second). This shows the relationship between the minimum of four categories 
        required for any analytical grasp and the six observational elements to encompass the 
        behavioral complexity.
      
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