Arthur L. Loeb

On Behaviorism, Causality and Cybernetics

A feedback model is presented to account for sigmoidal growth. Such a model, while making moot the question of cause and effect, may account for correlations in art-historical phenomena. Sigmoidal growth is characterized by initial slow growth, followed by rapid growth and eventually limited by saturation. Both behaviorism and cybernetics are based on a feedback model; thus, it is proposed here that the perception of historical ‘movements’, ‘periods’ and ‘styles’ is the result of sigmoidal phenomena, which in turn are related to feedback mechanisms.

Symmetry of Structure: An Interdisciplinary Symposium, 13–19 August 1989

Cooperation with other institutions is particularly important in the area of project work; for example, in developing new forms of programmes or in designing entertainment programmes for television, the academy has to work together with broadcast companies. In this respect, Cologne is a favourable location. Advantage will also be taken of laboratories and studios, as well as relevant course offerings, at other universities-for example, the University of Cologne and the Academy of Music, both in close neighbourhoods. Colognes new Media Park is offering further opportunities for cooperation, particularly with the companies that will settle there. In addition to several contacts with German universities and cultural institutions, the Academy of Media Arts has already established working contacts with international institutions: * Center for Advanced Visual Studies, M.I.T., Cambridge, MA, U.S.A.