HUMAN FACTORS, 1984,26(1),115-122 From Control Systems to Knowledge Systems

Historically, the human species has been dependent upon technology for sUlvival. This dependency placed people in a control loop from which they learned that mechanical cause· and-effect models were useful as explanatory mechanisms. These models were selectively reinforced to the exclusion of other forms of explanation. As the human's role shifts from that of a controller to a supervisor, new forms of rationality are reinforced. This process is being facilitated by new information technologies that demassify images and allow the individual to construct a highly personal understanding of human beings and nature