Basic regulation element
The term "feedback" comes from electronics and describes the process of an amplified signal retracts on its source or input parameter. If the output parameter acts as an amplifier to the input signal as opposed to a degenerative feedback, we speak of a positive feedback. This results in a self-amplifying effect between input and output signal, which can lead to self-excitation or new quality of state all together.
Nowadays the term "feedback" is used in a different context to characterize chemical, social or ecological events.
Living organisms are operational closed systems. They function by rules that are characteristic for their nature. They operate recursively and therefore create themselves. In a manner of speaking they write their own history. Every perception and action is a result that is calculated and created by the inner rules of the organism.
Heinz von Förster answers to the question, when a computer is alive, with a mischievous smile: "Of course at that moment, when it begins telling its own story."
Balance through regulatory circuits
Everywhere a dynamic balance has to be maintained, simple or complex regulatory circuits are involved. Every regulatory circuit, irrespective of whether we are talking about machines, motors or measuring devices, or digital applications that often comprise vast networks of circuits work according to the same principle. This likewise goes for living organisms whose regulatory circuit system is much more complex than that of a computer.
The regulatory circuit comprises a feeler (sensorium) that sends a reading to a processor. This processor (measuring unit) processes the reading sent. It also compares it with the target value and sends the result of the calculation to the target unit that implements this result or the interpretation of it. The process begins anew.
Information processing systems
Let's take a look inside our body's system
All three systems – central nervous system, immune system and hormones – process stimuli according to their own rules. Regeneration, regulatory circuits and networking to a high degree are also basic regulation principles.
The heart frequency, blood sugar level, the number of active muscle fibers and many other parameters within our body that are known to us, oscillate around a dynamically produced value in a corresponding network of regulatory circuits. The nervous system, immune system and hormone system are the most powerful calculators of our organism. They produce and control target and current states.
