Lexicon

Our mission to understand change will be greatly aided by a common vocabulary that applies within and across systems.

Change (∆)

Universal Definition: The transformation or transition from one state, form, or phase to another across any dimension of experience, observation, or theoretical framework.

Applications:

• Physics: The evolution of physical systems, such as kinetics or thermodynamic processes.

• Sociology: Societal transformations, including cultural shifts and demographic transitions.

Measurements:

• Quantitative: Rate of change, derivative measurements, change vectors.

• Qualitative: Descriptions of subjective experiences, narratives of transformation.

System

Universal Definition: An organized, interrelated set of components or entities that form a complex and unified whole, exhibiting behaviors not present in individual components.

Applications:

• Biology: Ecosystems with biotic and abiotic components.

• Computer Science: Information processing structures, hardware, and software configurations.

Measurements:

• Quantitative: System effectiveness, efficiency, throughput.

• Qualitative: System health, resilience, adaptability.

Equilibrium

Universal Definition: A state of balance in a system where competing influences or forces are matched, often temporary and dynamic.

Applications:

• Chemistry: Chemical equilibrium in reactions.

• Economics: Market equilibrium, where supply meets demand.

Measurements:

• Quantitative: Equilibrium constants, point of balance in forces or reactions.

• Qualitative: Perceived stability, satisfaction.

Pattern

Universal Definition: A repetitive or recognizable arrangement of elements, processes, or structures in a system.

Applications:

• Mathematics: Fractal geometries, sequence patterns.

• Anthropology: Cultural patterns, rituals, and social practices.

Measurements:

• Quantitative: Frequency, symmetry, regularity.

• Qualitative: Aesthetic value, symbolic significance.

Complexity

Universal Definition: The quality or state of having multiple interdependent parts or dimensions that contribute to the behavior or nature of a system.

Applications:

• Network Theory: Complex interconnections within networks.

• Philosophy: Complex ideas within epistemology or ethics.

Measurements:

• Quantitative: Complexity metrics, such as Kolmogorov complexity.

• Qualitative: Descriptions of intricate or multifaceted phenomena.

Feedback

Universal Definition: A process in which the output or result of a system is fed back into the system, potentially altering its future states or outputs.

Applications:

• Engineering: Control systems with feedback loops.

• Biology: Homeostasis and regulatory mechanisms.

Measurements:

• Quantitative: Feedback loop gains, response times.

• Qualitative: Stability, sensitivity to input changes.

Emergence

Universal Definition: The phenomenon by which higher-level properties or patterns arise from the collective interactions of lower-level components.

Applications:

• Cognitive Science: Consciousness as an emergent property of neural networks.

• Physics: Emergent phenomena in condensed matter.

Measurements:

• Quantitative: Degrees of emergent properties relative to base components.

• Qualitative: Novelty, unpredictability.

Scale

Universal Definition: The dimension or magnitude of measurement that defines the extent or scope of a phenomenon or analysis.

Applications:

• Geography: Spatial scales from local to global.

• Quantum Mechanics: Planck scale in relation to cosmic scale.

Measurements:

• Quantitative: Orders of magnitude, measurement units.

• Qualitative: Conceptual levels of importance, relevance.

Resilience

Universal Definition: The capacity of a system to withstand disturbances while maintaining its core function and integrity.

Applications:

• Ecology: The ability of ecosystems to absorb changes and disturbances, returning to a state of equilibrium.

• Psychology: Individual and communal ability to recover from adversity and maintain psychological well-being.

Measurements:

• Quantitative: Measuring recovery speed, system robustness, and threshold limits.

• Qualitative: Assessments of adaptability, strength, and sustainability in the face of change.

Connectivity

Universal Definition: The state or quality of being connected or interconnected within a system, influencing flow and interaction.

Applications:

• Network Theory: The intricacies and strength of links within networks.

• Ecology: The interconnectedness of species within ecosystems.

Measurements:

• Quantitative: Connection density, interaction rates, network centrality metrics.

• Qualitative: Descriptions of relational density, narratives of interconnectedness.