While I was away, Paul Martin of Original Faith noted that some blogs make us think. I think perception is the driving force behind life. We have senses, emotions, and intuitions for a reason. We interpret them to maintain our own stability, our continuity in fact. We also know what we like and try to manifest a world around us to our liking.
The very pattern of absorbing and assimilating changes, or more obtusely disturbances, is the essence of our very growth. What would life be without novelty? The fascinating emergence of new arrangements and new forms of behavior are integrally entwined with self-organizing systems in response mode.
There is great fluidity and flexibility in autopoietic systems comprised of many networked components. Their distributive makeup allows them to be resilient. Individual components selectively respond to disturbances and pattern their activity accordingly. The system as a whole develops its own ability for reaching homeostasis. Diversity in the components is viewed as a strength.
For instance, a diverse ecosystem will be resilient because it contains many species with overlapping ecological functions that can partially replace one another. Even when a particular species is destroyed by a catastrophe so that a link in the network is broken, a diverse community will be able to survive and reorganize itself, because other links in the network can at least partially fulfill the function of the destroyed species.
Yet the overall balance is key. Every species has a runaway tendency and therefore the potential of undergoing an exponential population growth when not kept in check by various balancing interactions within the system. Exponential runaways will appear only when the ecosystem is severely disturbed. What ensues we label "weeds" or "pests". In the human body we label it "cancer". The whole system becomes threatened.
On a planetary basis, there has been a striking pattern in the repeated occurrence of catastrophes followed by intense periods of growth and innovation. Plants may owe photosynthesis to atmospheric hydrogen depletion. Animals may owe breathing to to an oxygen crisis and resulting bacterial response.
The configuration of relationships within a system is also important.
As humans we know little about ecosystems. Anthropocentric, we have a great propensity to disrupt them. Scarily, we have little understanding towards restoring their balance. Our eyes may be cast on the growth and innovation that will follow. Yet lacking true foresight, the diversified niche that has our back may be on the casualty list.
I think Aldo Leopold put it well...
"A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it does otherwise."
So, I'll be the one you'll find planting trees this weekend.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Unplug...
Friends don't let friends drive drunk. Or, in my case, friends don't let friends get wrapped in science. A birthday card said: “None of the scientific states of matter apply to love; and yet, nothing matters more.” I liked the play on the word matter. I like the wisdom better.
We don't need philosophy to tell us its important to be good. However you define that. We don't need science to tell us diversity is good, so is sustainability, recycling, and harmony. Science is not needed to make these credible. No, my friends can tell me that.
So, I’m gonna take the red pill (in Matrix parlance) and unplug.
We don't need philosophy to tell us its important to be good. However you define that. We don't need science to tell us diversity is good, so is sustainability, recycling, and harmony. Science is not needed to make these credible. No, my friends can tell me that.
So, I’m gonna take the red pill (in Matrix parlance) and unplug.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Characteristics...
There are three principle characteristics that sum up an autopoietic system. First, they exhibit self-organization in the spontaneous emergence of new structure and behavior. Next, they demonstrate adaptation via internal feedback loops. And finally, their affairs can only be described mathematically by non-linear equations.
A magnificent example of an autopoietic system is the biological cell. Given that, I highly recommend the illustrated guide The Way Life Works by Mahlon Hoagland and Bert Dodson. You will not walk away feeling insignificant as some science elicits.
A subtle but important point in the definition of autopoiesis is that an autopoietic network is not a set of fixed relations among static components, like the development of a crystal. Rather it is a set of relations among processes of production. This production continually regenerates its very self in maintaining a stable organization. If the processes stop, so does the organization.
Mathematically, autopoietic systems operate on the "edge of chaos" as envisioned in non-linear dynamics of Chaos Theory. This is far from the entropic equilibrium of linear thermodynamics. In fact, the autopoietic network is constantly drawing from the external environment to maintain its organizational stability. This distinction is fascinating in its own right, considering equilibrium and stability are commonly equated with one another.
The non-linear connections are checked by internal feedback loops across processes. Without this balancing effect, exponential runaways would ensue, threatening the whole.
I've been frustrated in the past with finding "purpose". I kinda chuckle now. Purpose to me appears to be its own adaptive feedback loop, defying a cast answer. “Being” is a more practical focus, while purpose divines its way.
A magnificent example of an autopoietic system is the biological cell. Given that, I highly recommend the illustrated guide The Way Life Works by Mahlon Hoagland and Bert Dodson. You will not walk away feeling insignificant as some science elicits.
A subtle but important point in the definition of autopoiesis is that an autopoietic network is not a set of fixed relations among static components, like the development of a crystal. Rather it is a set of relations among processes of production. This production continually regenerates its very self in maintaining a stable organization. If the processes stop, so does the organization.
Mathematically, autopoietic systems operate on the "edge of chaos" as envisioned in non-linear dynamics of Chaos Theory. This is far from the entropic equilibrium of linear thermodynamics. In fact, the autopoietic network is constantly drawing from the external environment to maintain its organizational stability. This distinction is fascinating in its own right, considering equilibrium and stability are commonly equated with one another.
The non-linear connections are checked by internal feedback loops across processes. Without this balancing effect, exponential runaways would ensue, threatening the whole.
I've been frustrated in the past with finding "purpose". I kinda chuckle now. Purpose to me appears to be its own adaptive feedback loop, defying a cast answer. “Being” is a more practical focus, while purpose divines its way.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Autopoiesis...
This was said of autopoiesis. I can only smile, he said upon return...
"When the flow of energy and matter though them increases, they may go through new instabilities and transform themselves into new structures of increased complexity."
Fritof Capra, The Web of Life (New York: Anchor Books, 1996), p. 89
Autopoiesis ("self-making") refers to the characteristic of "living" systems to continuously renew themselves and to self-regulate this process in such a way that the integrity of their constitution is stable. All components of an autopoietic network are produced by other components in the network. In this, the entire system is organizationally closed, yet open with regard to the flow of energy and supplies. Whereas a mechanical device is geared to the output of a separate product, the product of a autopoietic system is simply itself.
The concept of autopoiesis views organisms as active agents within the framework of evolutionary change and not just passive effects of natural selection. Case in point...the metabolism of a living cell combines order and activity in a way that defies description by mechanistic science. It involves thousands of chemical reactions, all taking place simultaneously to transform the cell's nutrients, synthesize it basic structures, and eliminate its waste products. Metabolism is a continual, complex, and highly organized activity.
Of this, the clockwork world of the eighteenth century, and the linear world for the nineteenth and early 20th century is refreshingly opening to the non-linear and adaptive dynamics of natural systems.
"When the flow of energy and matter though them increases, they may go through new instabilities and transform themselves into new structures of increased complexity."
Fritof Capra, The Web of Life (New York: Anchor Books, 1996), p. 89
Autopoiesis ("self-making") refers to the characteristic of "living" systems to continuously renew themselves and to self-regulate this process in such a way that the integrity of their constitution is stable. All components of an autopoietic network are produced by other components in the network. In this, the entire system is organizationally closed, yet open with regard to the flow of energy and supplies. Whereas a mechanical device is geared to the output of a separate product, the product of a autopoietic system is simply itself.
The concept of autopoiesis views organisms as active agents within the framework of evolutionary change and not just passive effects of natural selection. Case in point...the metabolism of a living cell combines order and activity in a way that defies description by mechanistic science. It involves thousands of chemical reactions, all taking place simultaneously to transform the cell's nutrients, synthesize it basic structures, and eliminate its waste products. Metabolism is a continual, complex, and highly organized activity.
Of this, the clockwork world of the eighteenth century, and the linear world for the nineteenth and early 20th century is refreshingly opening to the non-linear and adaptive dynamics of natural systems.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Systems Theory...
Within the many domains of science lies a theory that I am particularly drawn to. You see, I have a strong background in systems thinking; building upon connectedness, relationships, and context, albeit with technology. To that end, I work off a generalist's knowledge of building blocks, but focus more on integration and principles of organization.
In fact, the root of the word 'system' is derived from the Greek synhistanai, meaning "to place together".
Systems theory itself is a multi-disciplinary scientific study whose goal is to derive and formulate principles that may have different ancestry, but have some degree of commonality to many fields of scientific inquiry.
The basis of this rides heavily on the view that all phenomena manifest as a web of interrelated elements, forming systems. Also, that these systems, whether electrical, chemical, biological, technical, or social, demonstrate patterns, behaviors, or properties that offer insight into complex phenomena. Ultimately advancing on a unified perspective.
Whereas science's assertive nature is expansive, competitive, quantitative, and dominating, the systems side of the house is more integrative and tends towards conservation, cooperation, quality, and networking.
Systems theory is the genesis of Autopoiesis, which I had not heard of until recently, but found intriguing enough that I wanted to give it a bit of exposure here.
But then...reality set in.
Yes, what an interesting dynamic our lives would be if they physically do interpenetrate one another. Yes, fantasizing about this dynamic lifts my spirits and adds significance to experiencing and to reaching out to others. Yes, sometimes it is just to listen to them in quiet reflection. Always, to see a bit of oneself in others. Oftentimes something that could not be fully anticipated. Yes, but then there's reality.
I didn't anticipate needing a break, but I do.
In fact, the root of the word 'system' is derived from the Greek synhistanai, meaning "to place together".
Systems theory itself is a multi-disciplinary scientific study whose goal is to derive and formulate principles that may have different ancestry, but have some degree of commonality to many fields of scientific inquiry.
The basis of this rides heavily on the view that all phenomena manifest as a web of interrelated elements, forming systems. Also, that these systems, whether electrical, chemical, biological, technical, or social, demonstrate patterns, behaviors, or properties that offer insight into complex phenomena. Ultimately advancing on a unified perspective.
Whereas science's assertive nature is expansive, competitive, quantitative, and dominating, the systems side of the house is more integrative and tends towards conservation, cooperation, quality, and networking.
Systems theory is the genesis of Autopoiesis, which I had not heard of until recently, but found intriguing enough that I wanted to give it a bit of exposure here.
But then...reality set in.
Yes, what an interesting dynamic our lives would be if they physically do interpenetrate one another. Yes, fantasizing about this dynamic lifts my spirits and adds significance to experiencing and to reaching out to others. Yes, sometimes it is just to listen to them in quiet reflection. Always, to see a bit of oneself in others. Oftentimes something that could not be fully anticipated. Yes, but then there's reality.
I didn't anticipate needing a break, but I do.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Composition...
I don't know if it happens to everyone, but there was a period of time when I inquired into the composition of God. Perhaps "spirit" is a better term, because in a round-about way this applies to we spiritual beings as well. Even still, a quantum aware whole.
Anyway, for God to exist in its own right, the minimal list of attributes that came to me were "self-reflecting", "self-referencing", "self-organizing", and "self-replicating".
Ahh the mind of a systems nut.
Self-reflecting, because being One, it had to be able to perceive itself.
Self-referencing, because it had to keep track of its focus within the history of its self-reflection.
Self-organizing, because it had to arrange these affairs to effect context and meaning.
Self-replicating, because, well, I exist, and though being a part of God, I wouldn't describe myself as being God. So, somehow, an expression of God produced me.
Continuing from that, I recognized myself as an open-system, dependent on the environment outside myself. Yet that is not true of God, so I found novelty fascinating. I imagined God as a closed-system, being One that is. So how did novelty ever arise? Wouldn't God get rather bored? So, in addition, I posited the attribute I label "self-perturbation". Something had to upset the apple cart. Undoubtedly, not a flattering label, but that is what I came up with. Googling it, I see it has been used elsewhere, so a patent isn't pending on my part. Damn.
Of this exercise, I came to realize the essence of life was experiencing. And so, from that point on, I've always admired my experiences, the good and the bad, because, to me, they were the spice of life.
There is a scientific theory called "Autopoiesis" that I am going to spend a little time with. Science is coming to understand one of these attributes, self-organization. To treat life as a science to some threatens its very essence. What informs the senses of one is lost on others. Such is the nature of life.
Anyway, for God to exist in its own right, the minimal list of attributes that came to me were "self-reflecting", "self-referencing", "self-organizing", and "self-replicating".
Ahh the mind of a systems nut.
Self-reflecting, because being One, it had to be able to perceive itself.
Self-referencing, because it had to keep track of its focus within the history of its self-reflection.
Self-organizing, because it had to arrange these affairs to effect context and meaning.
Self-replicating, because, well, I exist, and though being a part of God, I wouldn't describe myself as being God. So, somehow, an expression of God produced me.
Continuing from that, I recognized myself as an open-system, dependent on the environment outside myself. Yet that is not true of God, so I found novelty fascinating. I imagined God as a closed-system, being One that is. So how did novelty ever arise? Wouldn't God get rather bored? So, in addition, I posited the attribute I label "self-perturbation". Something had to upset the apple cart. Undoubtedly, not a flattering label, but that is what I came up with. Googling it, I see it has been used elsewhere, so a patent isn't pending on my part. Damn.
Of this exercise, I came to realize the essence of life was experiencing. And so, from that point on, I've always admired my experiences, the good and the bad, because, to me, they were the spice of life.
There is a scientific theory called "Autopoiesis" that I am going to spend a little time with. Science is coming to understand one of these attributes, self-organization. To treat life as a science to some threatens its very essence. What informs the senses of one is lost on others. Such is the nature of life.
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