The autopilot in an airplane is a good example of a cybernetic system. An autopilot is an electromechanical system that relies on informational feedback to guide an airplane. A cybernetic system does not have to be an electromechanical system. It can be a biological system, a social system, a highway system and the like. When a pilot enters the altitude, speed, and direction of an aircraft the settings define subsequent behaviors the autopilot must adhere to. For example, if the course is set at 251 degrees, and the plane is blown off course to 236 degrees, informational feedback begins to flow prompted by the disparity between the present course and the desired course. Since a behavior of staying on a course of 251 degrees has be predefined, informational feedback triggers a series of events that results in a repositioning the rudder until the compass reads 251 degrees. It is informational feedback that keeps the aircraft on course, proper altitude, and at the right speed.

   Another example of a cybernetic system is the nation's highway system. Informational feedback is used to increase the efficiency of traffic moving from one location to another. If there is congestion at a particular intersection or there are to many accidents a stop light is set in place increase systemic efficiency. If there are too many accidents on a curve in the highway, the speed limit is adjusted. Here, there is an accumulation of facts and human experience that in turn is used to minimize pain, suffering and death and maximize economic prosperity.

   When ethical system evolve they increase the systemic efficiency of societies and minimize social friction based on the accumulation of facts and insights of human experience.