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.
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