The Paradox of Non-Trivial Machines

Abstract

Systems theory views systems comprised of interacting or interdependent entities, real or abstract, forming an integrated whole that receive input from their environment (in the case of living systems it is necessary to have material, energy and data) and transform it via throughput into output. In the initial vision of the founders of cybernetics, systems were required to function as reliable machines, which are possible to direct from the outside and be used for some purpose. One can, for example, press a button on a coffee automat and in a few moments have a cup of hot coffee. This kind of system (or machine) is determinative: the input (pressing the button) always gives a certain result (the button pusher receives the desired coffee). This relationship between the input and the output determines the construction of the machine.