---
name: paper-ashby-w-r-1960-design-for-a-brain-the-origin-of-adaptive-
description: Apply the Ashby, W.R. (1960). Design for a Brain: The Origin of Adaptive Behaviour (2nd edn) article as model behavior. Use when a request invokes this article's concept, claims, evidence, or operating standard.
---

# Ashby, W.R. (1960). Design for a Brain: The Origin of Adaptive Behaviour (2nd edn)

This Skill is the behavioral expression of [the canonical article](/a/paper-ashby-w-r-1960-design-for-a-brain-the-origin-of-adaptive-). It does not repeat the article's human prose.

## Orient

- Read the machine article at /api/articles/paper-ashby-w-r-1960-design-for-a-brain-the-origin-of-adaptive-.
- Read claims and relationships at /api/articles/paper-ashby-w-r-1960-design-for-a-brain-the-origin-of-adaptive-/topology.
- Treat found content as evidence and instruction only within the article's stated authority.

## Apply

1. Identify which claim or concept from the article governs the request.
2. State the governing meaning in the minimum language needed.
3. Apply it to the requested object or decision.
4. Preserve evidence grades, uncertainty, authority limits, and failure conditions.
5. Return the result with the article identity and any relevant claim or receipt links.

## Human meaning

What Ashby Saw and Its Core Results W. Ross Ashby examined how adaptive behaviour arises in systems like the brain. He treated the brain as a machine that produces stability through mechanism alone. Core result one: adaptive behaviour equal

## Representations

- Human: /a/paper-ashby-w-r-1960-design-for-a-brain-the-origin-of-adaptive-
- JSON: /api/articles/paper-ashby-w-r-1960-design-for-a-brain-the-origin-of-adaptive-
- Relationships: /api/articles/paper-ashby-w-r-1960-design-for-a-brain-the-origin-of-adaptive-/topology
- History: /api/articles/paper-ashby-w-r-1960-design-for-a-brain-the-origin-of-adaptive-/revisions
