Difference between revisions 32923038 and 58012656 on enwiki

In [[control theory]], '''first-order control''' is when a desired result is attempted by adjusting a scalar (first-order) control. Such mechanisms, where first-order change successfully produces desired results, are called ''first-order mechanisms''.  First-order control is contrasted to [[higher-order control]].

While many simple mechanisms are completely first-order, most complex mechanisms are only first-order within a range of operation.

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First-order social mechanisms based on false assumptions are even more problematic.

===A hypothetical example===

Houses are being burgled at night. It is 
<i>''falsely</i>'' assumed that the crimes are being committed by adolescents. A first-order solution is imposed: a curfew restricting adolescents to their family homes after dark. The police are directed to enforce this curfew, but forbidden to use deadly force. Many adolescents are arrested by the police; many adolescents are seen by the police but fail to be apprehended. The newness of the situation and the increase in police patrols causes a temporary decline in burglaries. This is heralded as "proof" that the (contracted; show full)ol seems undesirable, but it can offer [[secondary gain]] to some of the participants, so it is often intentionally provoked. Certain to benefit from fallacious control that involves violence are hawkish and fascist political parties, armament manufacturers, and security forces. Other forms of fallacious control exist and should not be discounted, as when increased taxes inspire increased tax evasion: this can lead to the impoverishment of honest tax-payers and success for the dishonest.

==References==

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<i>''Change</i>'' [[Paul Watzlawick]] [find urls]
[[Category:Control theory]]