Who is credited with coining the term "cybernetics"?

The term "cybernetics" is credited to Norbert Wiener, who introduced the concept in his 1948 book titled "Cybernetics: Or Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine." Wiener defined cybernetics as the scientific study of control and communication in animals and machines, emphasizing feedback mechanisms and the transmission of information. This foundational work laid the groundwork for various fields, including engineering, biology, and social sciences, where understanding systems and how they regulate themselves became crucial.

Wiener's interdisciplinary approach and focus on feedback loops have had a profound impact on systems theory and various methodologies in therapy, particularly in understanding how individuals and families interact within broader systems. His contributions extend beyond just the definition of cybernetics; they paved the way for applying these concepts to therapeutic practices, fundamentally changing how practitioners view and address relational dynamics.