Mariann suggests "maybe we need a notion of reinforcement that doesn't
require pushing to extremes."
One such notion can be found in the work of complex adaptive systems
theorists, such as W. Brian Arthur at SFI, referred to as "the law of
increasing returns". This is his words for positive feedback in an
economic system.
In a complex adaptive system, the system learns and reinforces its
learning and continues to reinforce as long as it "likes" the result.
"The body craves the exercise" sounds like an increasing returns
phenomenon.
This type of action builds on itself not merely by "feedback". Its main
power is that it builds support structures for itself out of its
environment and context. Linguistic as well as external structures begin
to be put in place that continue the positive growth even when the
original conditions or motivation has disappeared. For isntance, you'll
get friends to exercise with you, you'll talk about exercise with others,
you'll join clubs and buy equipment. You'll begin to attribute your
vitality and sense of well-being to your exercise. You'll establish
routines - like wearing special and attractive clothes. The limit to the
list is the limit to your system's creativity and its continued impact on
the environment that you function in.
> Maybe we need a notion of reinforcement that doesn't require
> pushing to extremes, since in my examples certainly it would be possible
> to get "too much of a good thing"?
The point here is that there is no "pushing" going on at all. As we begin
to recognise the way that complex adaptive systems work - certainly the
way that intelligent, linguistic systems work - we can begin to design
interventions that are small but produce large results. The source of the
large results is this phenomenon of "increasing returns" or possitive
feedback.
--
Mike McMaster <Michael@kbddean.demon.co.uk>
"Postmodern society is the society of computers, information, scientific
knowledge, advanced technology, and rapid change due to new advances in
science and technology." Postmodern Theory, Best & Kellner