#cybernetics #perceptual_control_theory #PCT #psychology #purpose #values #CybSights #CybSoc
How does Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) explain behaviour, purpose, the self, and society? Warren Mansell & Tom Scholte engage.

The Insights Series is an eclectic and learned collection of monthly events on the 4th Tuesday of each month hosted by the Secretary of the Cybernetics Society, Angus Jenkinson FCybS. Cybernetics is the science of achievement, of design, or organization, the great interdisciplinary fusion discipline of our time. In this session, we were particularly delighted to be able to welcome an eminent and engaging member of a related discipline of the first importance and relevance to members of the Society and their friends: Dr Warren Mansell, Reader in Clinical Psychology, University of Manchester. Warren is a leader member of the PCT research community.

Angus Jenkinson introduced the sessions saying: “PCT is a powerful theoretical paradigm and set of models for understanding behaviour in human and other living organisms. Its founder, Bill Powers, had close ties with the cybernetics community and many cyberneticians value it greatly as an adjunct to our core fields. Wwth Method of Levels (MoL), Warren has also added a signifcant cognitive innovation." Watch, and find out just how deep the question, “What’s my motivation?” can take us!

Prof Tom Scholte, UBC, Vancouver, initiated the session by interviewing Warren, whole described his first encounter with PCT, the development of PCT by William T. Powers in the 1950s onwards, and PCT's unique conceptualisation of behaviour. He demonstrated and discussed the Method of Levels (MOL), a theory of recursive psychological/behavioural organization. He also briefly considered the diverse range of applications of PCT to date. Warren showed some experiments that enable participants to see how PCT provides a revolutionary set of insights and logic for understanding behaviour.

Dr Mansell encountered PCT in the late 1990s when it provided an integrative framework for his work on psychological interventions for mental health problems. Since 2006, he has researched, practised and trained professionals in Method of Levels Therapy (MOL), a universal form of active listening that is based on PCT and designed to help people with wide ranging problems and severities reduce their distress and regain control over their lives. Over the last five to ten years, his work has diversified to include research and innovation within the fields of carer communication in dementia, human performance, motor control, and robotics, all based on PCT. Dr Mansell has over 100 publications on PCT, he has hosted the International Association of Perceptual Control Theory in 2007, 2010, and 2019, and is an active member of the PCT global community. He edited the ("Excellent" —AJ) Interdisciplinary Handbook of Perceptual Control Theory, published by Academic Press in 2020.

Prof Tom Scholte
Tom is a seasoned interviewer and will help the conversation...
Tom Scholte s the Vice-President elect of the American Society for Cybernetics and a Professor of Acting and Directing for both stage and screen at the University of British Columbia. Tom's interviews with authors is a valuable online asset about cybernetics. As a writer, actor, producer, his work has been seen at such venues as the Toronto, Berlin, and Sundance Film Festivals. He is the Faculty Lead of Conflict Theatre@UBC; a joint initiative of his home department, UBC Human Resources, and UBC Office of Equity and Inclusion. His research into complex social contexts can be found in such journals as Kybernetes, Constructivist Foundations, and Futures.