Cybernetics

This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. Please consider expanding the lead to provide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the article. (June 2023)

Part of a series on
Cyborgs
Cyborgology
Bionics Biomimicry Biomedical engineering Brain–computer interface Cybernetics Distributed cognition Genetic engineering Human ecosystem Human enhancement Intelligence amplification Whole brain emulation
Theory
Cyborg anthropology
Centers
Cyberpunk Cyberspace
Politics
Cognitive liberty Extropianism Morphological freedom Singularitarianism Techno-progressivism Transhumanism
Related articles
Cyborg art
v t e

Cybernetics is the transdisciplinary study of circular processes such as feedback systems where outputs are also inputs. It is concerned with general principles that are relevant across multiple contexts,^[1] including in ecological, technological, economic, biological, cognitive and social systems and also in practical activities such as designing,^[2] learning, and managing.

The field is named after an example of circular causal feedback—that of steering a ship (the ancient Greek κυβερνήτης (kybernḗtēs) means "helmsperson"). In steering a ship, the helmsperson adjusts their steering in continual response to the effect it is observed as having, forming a feedback loop through which a steady course can be maintained in a changing environment, responding to disturbances from cross winds and tide.^[3][4]

Cybernetics' transdisciplinary^[5] character has meant that it intersects with a number of other fields, leading to it having both wide influence and diverse interpretations.