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Integrated Learning: Paradigm for a Unified Approach
Author(s) -
Schneck Daniel J.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of engineering education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.896
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 2168-9830
pISSN - 1069-4730
DOI - 10.1002/j.2168-9830.2001.tb00594.x
Subject(s) - frame of reference , reference frame , observer (physics) , feed forward , randomness , realization (probability) , control theory (sociology) , computer science , physics , frame (networking) , mathematics , control (management) , theoretical physics , engineering , classical mechanics , control engineering , artificial intelligence , quantum mechanics , telecommunications , statistics
All of reality derives from disturbances to equilibrated states (controlled systems). This realization allows one to develop a generic feedback/feedforward control model as a paradigm for all of the laws of physics. The model is formulated from seven fundamental axioms, upon which are based seven corresponding theorems— among them, the one that defines Potential Energy as the source for all of reality. The output—Kinetic Energy—of the model is experienced (feedback signals which are in the form of dimensions of perception: including time, length, mass, temperature and electric charge) by an observer (frame‐of‐reference) along a doubly‐infinite continuum that is arbitrarily divided into seven scales of perception. These range from sub‐nuclear to super‐cosmic. Adding to scale‐of‐perception and frame‐of‐reference the concept of resolution—which includes considerations of structure, order, and relation—completes the tripartite set of elements that are the foundations of knowledge. A minimum‐energy principle (controlling system) is introduced to close the loop in the control model. Operationally, this constraint is manifest as “control signals” that attenuate the randomness of transitions among quasi‐equilibrated states, forcing such perceived transitions to proceed along optimized paths (“reference signals” in the control model).