What is Life/Living?
John J. Kineman
jjk@nexial.org
The phenomenon of life itself, aside from its particular forms, has so-far defied scientific explanation. On the one hand we may imagine the accumulation of physical actions as somehow resulting in phenomena we associate with life -- the view that life "emerges" from physical reality. In this view, one might suppose that a sufficiently accurate simulation of a living organism, essentially is living. On the other hand, we may argue that not all of the characteristics of life, many of which we may only know from direct experience, can be produced from physical processes alone -- that "something else" must be involved in the explanation or understanding of life.
Science has largely avoided this "mind-body" problem, leaving the deepest questions to philosophy and otherwise indulging itself with a single-track view of reality. It rejects the view that reality may itself be proactive, and instead formulates a view of reality based on physics; as dead, purposeless, and meaningless. Life must then be seen to "emerge" as an improbably accident or, as many have come to believe, a complication of physical processes with all the appearances of mind or spirit being mere illusion.
We add to this strange circumstance in science, the phenomena of globalization and human societal development. In the struggle for prosperity and survival, as well as in the search for meaning and a "world order," people are confronted daily with the consequences of these world views. Is it a view of infinite opportunity and creative potential? Or one of determined outcomes, incontrovertible laws, and blind selection of who will survive? In short, are we, as living beings, participants in constructing reality, or are we victims of the blind forces that created us?
The most fundamental question -- what is life? -- itself has
profound implications for human society, and by extension, the
future of all life on Earth. How we answer this question determines
what we believe about ourselves, others, and other life forms.
It determines what kind of government and other social systems
we will construct. It determines how
much we will attempt to learn from different cultures, respecting
and preserving their diversity; or alternatively how much we will
attempt to change them toward one dominant paradigm that is logically
best.
An understanding of natural systems and complexity as the fundamental
basis for life may offer an alternative to the polarized views
contrasted above. Where we have constructed a paradox between
art and science, perhaps there
can be a nexus -- a perspective from which both may emerge as
mutually valid understandings of a more complex reality than either
can describe. The challenge is how to retrain ourselves so that
such an integrated world view can be applied to actual situations,
policies, economies, and human enterprises.
With these thoughts, we extend the CALL FOR PAPERS in the Special Integration Group of the ISSS on What is Life/Living. This group was inaugurated in 1999 expressly to explore the integration of observational and experiential views of life.
Spirituality and Systems
Charles Smith
muinuddin@msn.com
Our SIG continues with an emphasis on open exchange, collaboration
and dialogue, all of which seem to be in agreement with spirituality
and viable systems behaviour. For the ISSS 2001 meeting, papers
might address one or more of the general conference themes of
service, of "unity, diversity and humanity", and/or
the more specific focus on the emerging world system. In addition,
there is a possibility of exploratory workshops/dialogue on topics
of special interest, such as spirituality and shamanism, ancient
and modern learning communities and challenges in communication
between science and spiritual disciplines.
Business and Industrial Applications
Enrique G. Herrscher
Eherrsch@ideamail.com.ar
As in the last two ISSS annual meetings, this SIG will organize discussions at the Monterey meeting around two Symposia.
SYMPOSIUM I: CORPORATIONS AND THE SERVICE TO HUMANITY
a. Is the action of corporations, in the aggregate, useful
or harmful for humanity?
b. From a dynamic viewpoint: is this improving or deteriorating?
c. What can we, as systemists, do about it?
d. What can ISSS do about it?
SYMPOSIUM II: ECONOMIC SYSTEMS AND THE EMERGING WORLD
a. Within the unity-diversity spectrum, what are the major
differences that characterize the emerging world vis a vis the
developed countries?
b. What are the major consequences of these differencies for business
and industry, focusing on Africa, Latin America and other regions
of the southern hemisphere?
c. How do the changes in technology affect these situations?
d. How do the preceding factors affect business education in the
emerging countries?
METHODOLOGY
As in past meetings of this SIG, the paper SUBMISSIONS are
welcome, but paper "stand-alone" PRESENTATIONS are discouraged:
each author will state briefly what he or she has in mind, and
immediately a joint
discussion will take place. We will favour papers strictly focusing
on above themes. Other papers are also welcome, but will be handled
on a poster session basis, with discussions on site if time permits.
Women and Children in Community Systems
Anne Nelson
Nelsongroup@worldnet.att.net
Papers are invited that identify themes and research interests which account for the perspectives, interests, and needs of children and women in social systems. More than half of the world's population is women. Children are the future. Both groups are affected by different systems constructs, with formal and informal needs to have representation in the community or social system in which they live. Papers that apply systems thinking and understanding to family systems, community systems, and other social systems as related to the development of 'service' systems are particularly welcome. Papers are invited from anyone who is interested in developing scholarship focusing on this area of study.
2442 N.W. Market St., #112. Seattle, WA 98107 USA
Tel/Fax 1-206-282-5994
Evolutionary Learning Community
Kathia Laszlo and Alexander Laszlo
Syntony.Quest@usa.net
We cordially invite you to join us at the 45th annual meeting of the International Society for the Systems Sciences (ISSS). Specifically, we hope you will consider contributing a paper for presentation in the ELC (Evolutionary Learning Community) Special Integration Group (SIG) that it is our pleasure to co-chair.
The 44th meeting, held 16-22 June 2000 in Toronto, Canada, was a great success, with 18 people from all over the world involved in the ELC SIG presentations. Our SIG met over the course of three days, and each session was both well attended and well received.
As described on the ELC SIG webpage mentioned below, the ELC SIG once again invites contributions on the theory and practice that informs Evolutionary Systems Design and the emergence of ELC. In particular, given the theme of this conference on "Systems Science in Service of Humanity," we welcome contributions that focus on the challenges and opportunities of the evolutionary corporation.
Please visit the webpage dedicated to the ELC SIG. There you will find background information on previous sessions as well as links to the Website URL of our sponsoring organization (Syntony Quest): http://isss.org/sigs/sig29elc.htmDuality Theory
Vitaly Dubrovsky
Dubrovvj@icaarus.som.clarkson.edu
In the general systems context, duality (polarity, complementarity,
dialectics, trialectics, symmetry, opposition, contrariety, unity,
etc.) can be viewed in at least three different ways: (1) as a
fundamental isomorphy observed across variety of systems studied
by different scientific disciplines; (2) as a fundamental logical
principle common to all historical times and cultures; and (3)
as an integral attribute of personal reflexion. At the same time
there is a common strive to overcome duality and acquire unity.
It is a common understanding, that the desired unity assumes viewing,
transforming, and combining together the sides of duality in such
a way that a new reality, wholeness, or synergy is discovered,
constructed, or achieved. The key word describing such understanding
is "system."
You are invited to participate in an attempt to build theory of duality, and thus, to contribute to articulation of the general systems approach.
Papers on any topic related to the duality theory are invited. The following topics are preferred:
- Duality and general system approach
- Duality and general system principles
- Examination of examples of duality in different disciplines and appropriate generalizations.
- Relationships of duality and other systems isomorphies (e.g. hierarchy, evolution, and emergence).
- Taxonomies of dualities.
- Logical and philosophical issues of duality.
- History of duality ideas in science, philosophy, and theology.
- Duality and human consciousness and conscience.
Familiarity with the following previous work may be helpful:
Human Systems Inquiry
Arne Collen
Acollen@saybrook.edu
As Human Systems Inquiry is an emphasis in the Systems Sciences,
we invite you to contribute a paper relevant to Human Systems
Inquiry in the Service of Humanity. The purpose of the SIG is
to provide an arena for ISSS members to present, exchange, and
discuss: 1) ideas and viewpoints concerning issues in systems
methods and methodologies relevant to human beings and the human
condition; 2) applications of systems ideas to systems practice
in human
contexts; 3) innovations in systems methodology; and 4) systemic
case studies conducted in, with, or by human activity systems.
-----------------------------------------------
For consideration, submit your abstract of 300 words maximum that
includes a sentence relating the paper directly to the conference
theme as well as any one of the four SIG focus areas stated above.
Send abstract by post or email to:
Arne Collen, Ph.D. Post: POB 4950, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 USA.
Email:
acollen@saybrook.edu
Living Systems Analysis
James R. Simms
JRSimms@juno.com
The Living Systems Analysis SIG is interested in general systems principles, theories, and properties of life. Cells, organs, organisms, groups, organizations, societies, and supranational systems are recognized levels of living systems. Papers dealing with characteristics or phenomena that can be generalized across two or more of these levels are welcome, as are papers that employ principles and theory of living systems to analyze or synthesize systems or components at a particular level. Papers linking living systems theory to other science and bodies of theory (e.g., biology, physics, chemistry, hierarchy theory, duality theory, accounting theory, economics, behavioral theories) are encouraged.
We are especially interested in papers that help unify the sciences and that treat basic principles and theories for making complexity more understandable . Development of relationships between the concepts of information in biology and in the information sciences are of particular interest.
We hope to have joint sessions with other SIGs. If your paper has links to other SIGs such as Business and Industrial Systems Application, Hierarchy Theory, Legal and Political Systems, Information Systems Design, Education, or Medicine and Health , please note that in your cover letter and on the title page. We will endeavor to organize a joint session with any SIG for which we have multiple linking papers.
We are making an effort in the paper solicitation process to extend the area of living systems science further than it has been in the past. It is felt that an even greater range of papers would help improve the meeting. Thus we are making a special plea for papers which would extend living systems science. Also specifically we would like to include sessions on subsystems, application, and single case studies. Send abstracts and papers to
James R. Simms
9405 Elizabeth Court
Fulton, MD 20759
The Primer
Tom Mandel
ThomMandel@aol.com
Ken Wilber is a transpersonal psychologist who has formulated an Integral Theory of Consciousness which integrates approximately twelve different fields of consciousness studies (from East and West). He accomplished this, he says, by noticing that each of the thousands of books he has read seemed to fall into a pattern, a pattern he eventually isolated and now calls the Four Quadrant Integral Theory of Consciousness. Simply put, Wilber says, investigative studies seem to fall into one of four categories: Internal, External, Object, and Interobject.
Wilber also challenges the systems sciences with a comment
in his latest book saying that systems science is monological.
"But, as we saw, the specific difficulty with empirical science
of any variety s not that it is atomistic
or holistic, analytic or systems, but rather that it is empirical
and monological in the first place. Systems Theory does not alter
that in the least: it merely continues the monological madness
by other means, which, in this case, is all the more insidious
because its proponents imagine that they have overcome the problem,
whereas the have simply cloned it." (Patterns Sept. 1998).
Our answer to that challange.
The Primer group invites from ISSS members, introductory essays
of approximately two-four pages in length which will serve to
introduce the particular aspect of systemics with which they are
most familiar. The essay should be divided into four interrelated
levels of description (see von Bertalanffy, Banathy Four Domains
of systemic inquiry). First is a general or philosophical statement
of principles. The second is an application of those principles
in a specific theory. The third is a plan or methodology, and
fourth, to act on all of the above. In addition to the essay,
a single
sentence which sums up the entire essay should be provided, and
also a paragraph which explains the single sentence in greater
detail. These may be extracted from the essay if available. A
general introduction will also be required as the beginning of
the essay. These essays will then be hyperlinked on the ISSS website
in such a manner that all the single sentences may be accessed
across the board, and likewise, all the paragraphs. That is, the
casual observer would be able to link across the holoarchy from
facet to facet horizontally. At any time, the links will also
be provided vertically
such that any single facet may be accessed in greater and greater
detail.
The essay should be concise and clear, It should contain a minimum of technical terms, and those that are used should be defined (like this). The essay should be written with the journalist (with no prior knowledge) in mind as the typical reader.It is requested that a link or reference to a research paper or actual project be also provided if available.
For reasons of consistency, the Primer definition of "system" might be used -- A system is like a family of relationships among the members interacting as a whole.
Abstracts should be 300 words or less, and could be a brief outline of the proposed essay.
A poster presentation will be in effect. Please plan to present your essay as a poster during the 2001 Conference.
Applied Systems and Development
(Centre for Applied Development Studies)
Dennis Finlayson,
dfinlayson@lincoln.ac.uk
The Special Integration Group in Applied Systems and Development invites contributions for participation in its paper sessions at the 2001 annual meeting of the ISSS in Asilomar, California. Our mission is to develop, demonstrate and apply appropriate approaches in active association with all parties affected by or involved in development projects and programmes. Of central importance to this mission is an awareness of the subtle inter-relationships among decision processes at local, regional, national and global scales. Such ideals as sustainability, participation and partnership are easy to proclaim. Yet the realities are complex and ever-evolving. This makes the search for viable ways forward a demanding task, and the evaluation of progress against any such ideals a many-faceted process. This SIG is concerned with the application and discovery of appropriate management theory and methods for interventions so that development and funding agencies can be adequately informed. We have a particular interest in exploring issues of managing physical, economic and community development through collaborative ventures which may involve local and national government, voluntary organisations and small as well as larger business enterprises. In terms of management methods, we are interested in a range of approaches based on systems thinking: of flexible group decision techniques for project appraisal and appreciation of local community perspectives.
SIG Chair, Centre for Applied Development Studies, Lincoln School of Management, University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, England. Tel: 0044 1522 886252, Fax: 0044 1522 886032, Email:
Hierarchy Theory
jmwilby@dial.pipex.com
The Hierarchy Theory SIG invites papers relating to the study of hierarchical structures and their relationships in theory and practice. Hierarchy theory views systems as a set of ordered levels with a governing-governed relationship between the levels wherein the hierarchical levels are the subunits of the whole system of interest. Further, the levels within the hierarchy are defined by the scale of observation chosen by the researcher (observer) and exploring this process of choice of scale is also of interest within the SIG. Abstracts are invited from all fields of research whether natural or social systems, and research or practice.
Jennifer Wilby, 59 Browning Road, Pocklington, York, YO42 2GN.
Information Systems Design and Information Technology
Roberto R. Kampfner
rrk@engin.umd.umich.edu
or
Béla A. Bánáthy
BABanathy@worldnet.att.net
During the past three decades we have made spectacular advances
in communications and computing technologies. It is clear that
in the next century, communications, storage, and processing capacities,
as well as the human-machine interface will be developed to levels
that are at present unimaginable. In effect, we will greatly increase
the surface area of human-machine contact. Perhaps more importantly,
we will try to elevate the contact to increasingly higher abstraction.
With many of the technical problems that constrained the information
systems design efforts of the past
having been solved, we can focus more clearly on the systemic
foundations of the design task. Papers addressing this general
topic are invited. To lend more focus to the sessions, three themes
are proposed: 1) The conceptual foundations that inform the partitioning
of tasks between human beings and machines; 2) Information systems
as a means of extending the existing biological infrastructure
of information processing in organizations; 3) Power and the internet.
These topics can be addressed at the level of an individual human
being, that of a group, a community, the larger society, or combinations
of these. In each case it is of particular importance for us to
ask fundamental questions involving the epistemological and ontological
aspects of human-machine interaction
Roberto R. Kampfner, Computer and Information Science Department
College of Engineering and Computer Science,
The University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, Michigan 48128
or
Béla A. Bánáthy, 38 Seca Place, Salinas,
CA 93908, USA, Tel: 1-831-375-7614
Systems Modeling and Simulation
Dr. Robert A. Orchard,
orchard@acm.org
A call for papers on understanding complexity through systems
modeling and simulation. The principles behind modeling complex
systems in order to make them tractable vary from practitioner
to practitioner. Hopefully by observing enough validated models
one can start to ascertain the meta-principles behind good modeling.
Papers and models which elucidate these meta-principles and therefore
make complex issues more tractable are invited, as well
as papers that reason through complexity to formulate simpler
models.
Prof. Computer Science, City University of New York, at College of Staten Island, New York, and Institute for Advanced Systems, P. O. Box 640, Indian Rocks Beach, Fl. 33785, USA, Tel/Fax:1-727-593-2181 --
Systems Psychology and Psychiatry
Dr. Robert A. Orchard
orchard@acm.org
A general call for papers on the complexity of psychological processes, mechanisms, problems and solutions. Papers from all modalities of psychotherapy (i.e., Gestalt, TA, Rogerian, NLP, Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, Brief short term therapy, Family therapy, etc.) and both Jungian, Freudian and other schools are invited. Of special interest are those simple elegant solutions to a perceived complex presenting problem. Papers dealing with understanding of the complexities of the social environment and policies vis-a-vis juvenile mental health issues are welcome. All papers submitted must contribute to an understanding of complexity and help in making complexity more tractable.
Prof. Computer Science, City University of New York, at College
of
Staten Island, New York, and Institute for Advanced Systems, P.
O.
Box 640, Indian Rocks Beach, Fl. 33785, USA, Tel/Fax:1-727-593-2181
Designing Educational Systems
Patrick M. Jenlink, pjenlink@sfasu.edu
You are invited to submit papers that respond generally to the overall theme of "Designing Educational Systems for the Betterment of Humanity" and specifically to ideas expressed in one of the three following strands:
The theme for the Designing Educational Systems SIG is focused on improving the human condition through designing educational systems that serve humanity
1. Educational Systems Design as Social Discourse and Action ­ Designing educational systems that address issues of social justice, equity, and caring in the context of growing diversity. Examples of social discourse, including dialogue, post-formal, ethical, and design, and how these types of discourse are used in the creation and sustainment of educational systems that contribute to human betterment at all levels of society.
2. Educational Systems Design in the Service of Others ­ Examining how systems and educational scholars and practitioners­scholarly practitioners­can serve on the behalf of "others" by seeking to create new relationships within and across boundaries of existing social systems, and/or addresses the power of diversity in the solving of human problems.
3. Designing Educational Systems as 21st Century Agoras ­ Seeking models, exemplars, and idealized designs of educational systems that are "public spheres", premised on dialogue and democracy, with the purpose of reconnecting individual citizens and creating an authentically engaged public who embraces the responsibility for the education of future generations.
4. Connecting Society, Locally and Globally, through Educational Systems ­ Understanding the role of educational systems as the nexus for connecting systems within and across societies. Research papers, philosophical position papers, and theoretical papers that reflect considerations for the systemic relationship of all social systems, particularly as related to educational systems design focused on ensuring a better future of humanity.
5. Integrating Educational Systems through Design ­ Investigating models, studies, and position papers that focus on how educational systems (i.e., public education and higher education, systems education and K-12 education, parochial education and public education, etc.) have been integrated through systems design and how these integrated systems have addressed social issues and cultural problems in ways that hold promise and potential for serving humanity.
6. Open Theme ­ General papers on designing educational systems and related systems design efforts concerned with education that do not fit one of the other themes, but which addresses the larger theme of the ISSS 2001 Conference, Systems Science in the Service of Humanity.
An opening general session for the SIG will be scheduled to present the week's program. The sessions will be organized so as to maximize interaction among presenters and participants. Each presenter is asked to include with their abstracts a set of 3-5 "trigger" questions selected to promote/provoke a conversation about the presenter's issue or premise. Presenters are asked not to read their papers, but rather present their work in a conversational style that invites participation from the audience in attendance. Presenters should limit their presentation to 10-15 minutes, with the expectation of participating in ensuing conversations.
Abstracts of papers (approximately 300 words) should be submitted to Patrick M. Jenlink, SIG Chair, at P.O. Box 13018-SFA, Nacogdoches, TX 75962 or e-mail (pjenlink@sfasu.edu) (if sent as text attachment use Microsoft Word only).
Abstracts will be reviewed and sorted for the program by SIG chair Patrick Jenlink. Presenters should bring 20 copies of their papers, along with triggering questions that may be used to guide conversations. These will be made available to interested participants.
Reasearch Toward General Theories of Systems
Helmut (Ken) Burkhardt burkhard@acs.ryerson.ca
The SIG on Research Toward General Theories of Systems is proposing sessions on the development and applications of General Science Theories at the 45th Annual Meeting of the International Society for the Systems Sciences, July 8-July 13, 2001, Asilomar Conference Center, Monterey, California
Conference Theme: Systems Science in the Service of Humanity
It is impossible to solve problems related to the complex social and ecological issues by using narrow disciplinary knowledge, or good intentions alone. Thinking tools that match the width of the problems are needed. One must develop and apply broad, general science theories based on universal concepts and universal algorithms thinking.
We invite contributions to such basic epistemological topics as:
* Definition and classification of systems: Kenneth Boulding and beyond. *Hierarchy of sciences: relation between theories of everything, general science theory, ecology, chaos theory, general systems theory, living systems theory, cybernetics etc. * Language, mathematics and computer science as transdisciplinary knowledge tools. * Broad concepts: the merits of abstraction in science and in common language. * Universal algorithms of thinking applicable in many disciplines. * The role of art and spirituality in creating new science. * The ethical dimension of holistic science. * Will general systems science lead to general engineering, eco engineering, and social engineering as advanced biology led to genetic engineering?
Application of universal knowledge tools to the theme of the conference, and utilization of general science theory to better and broaden curriculum and education are welcome in the proposed sessions.
ABSTRACT Please submit as soon as possible one copy to me, and one to: Dr. Harold G. Nelson at nelsongroup@worldnet.att.net If email is not possible they may be sent to: Dr. Harold G. Nelson, 2442 N. W. Market Street, # 112, Seattle. WA 98107 Telephone/Fax 1-206-282-5994
PAPER DEADLINE March 16th, 2001. Individuals are limited to two papers. Submission(s) must be in both hard copy (printed) and 3.5" floppy diskette in a commonly used word process program like Microsoft Word. All final papers are to be sent to: Ms Jennifer Wilby, 59 Browining Rd, Poklington, York, YO4 2GN, UK Ms. Wilby may be contacted at jmwilby@dial.pipex.com +44 1759 302718 =================================================
Helmut (Ken) Burkhardt Chair, ISSS SIG on Research Toward General Theories of Systems Adjunct Professor of Physics R Y E R S O N P O L Y T E C H N I C U N I V E R S I T Y Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5B 2K3 Tel: 1- 416-979-5079x7246, Fax: 1- 416-698-1214 Email: burkhard@acs.ryerson.ca
Spirituality and Systems
Charles Smith muinuddin@msn.com.
Our SIG continues with an emphasis on open exchange, collaboration and dialogue, all of which seem to be in agreement with spirituality and viable systems behaviour. For the ISSS 2001 meeting, papers might address one or more of the the general conference themes of service, of "unity, diversity and humanity", and/or the more specific focus on Africa and the emerging world system. In addition, there is a possibility of exploratory workshops/dialogue on topics of special interest, such as spirituality and shamanism, ancient and modern learning communities and challenges in communication between science and spiritual disciplines.
Charles Smith, 235 E. 22nd. Street, New York, New York 10010 ­ muinuddin@msn.com.
Futurism and Change
Curt McNamara c.mcnamara@ieee.org
The Futurism and Change Special Integration Group of the International Society for the Systems Sciences (ISSS) welcomes submissions for our 2001 meeting in Asilomar. Futurism has been described as the evolution of possible future states. These states may or may not be desirable, so the practice of futurism requires tools to move systems towards or away from them. Systems science contains these tools, as well as tools to examine, analyze, and create possible futures. It has been said that the only constant is change. The systems sciences inform us that all systems change, yet it is the nature of a system to resist change. Using the science of systems to study and inform change will be a hallmark of the 21st century. The theme of this years meeting is explore how the system sciences can support service to humanity. Service consists of fulfilling a need, yet needs are only known via a model of self or other. Such models are also the basis for intentional systems change, and are the foundation of futurism. It is therefore our task to apply systems tools and thinking to service, models, and change. Submissions are welcomed on the above or related topics.
Send abstracts, speaker suggestions, panel contributions, and offers of tutorial help to : Curt McNamara (c.mcnamara@ieee.org) 4010 Hayes St. NE Mpls. MN 55421
Thermodynamics and Systems Theory
Eli Berniker
bernike@plu.edu
"Is the future given, or is it under perpetual construction"
Ilya Prigogine The End of Certainty 1996
Thermodynamics and Freedom - In honor of our humanity and to Harold Nelson's call for systematic approaches serving effective and ethical human action, I want to shift our focus to the thermodynamic foundations for human freedom.
The essence of human freedom is that we are, as individuals and social entities, causal agents constructing our future and not merely outcomes of natural forces and systems. We may value freedom but our sciences, including a better part of systems science, deny any ontological basis for our freedom.
Thermodynamics can provide a scientific basis for freedom since
it accepts the fundamental uncertainties of the physical universe.
Human freedom is linked to uncertainty, indeterminism, and irreversibility,
all aspects of a
thermodynamical understanding of our universe.
So! Our challenge, in this call for papers:
What are the links between thermodynamics and the sciences that amplify our understanding of human freedom and purposeful action?
In Prigogine's terms, purposeful action is a non-equilibrium process exhibiting self-organization by a dissipative structure, people. This is new territory so take all the freedom you need to make whatever connections are worthy of discussion. We want a wide ranging set of panels. We especially welcome contributions from members across the entire spectrum of ISSS.
Eli Berniker, Pacific Lutheran
University Tacoma, WA 98444 USA - Home Tel: 1-253-539-4221
; Office:
1-253-535-7289 FAX 1-253-535-8723, email: bernike@plu.edu
Processes and Human Processes
Hector Sabelli,
hsabelli@rpslmc.edu
This special integration group (SIG) of the ISSS is devoted
to studies of creative processes, their scientific understanding,
and practical ways to foster them. An emerging world view regards
natural and human processes as
spontaneously creative --in contrast to the standard focus on
invariant features, that portrays processes as either determined
or accidental. Interactions co-create novel and complex organization,
from matter to life and consciousness. Both physical and mental
processes are made of the same energy, different only in the complexity
of their organization. This process approach originates with Greek
physiology, the foundation of science and philosophy, a comprehensive
theory of natural and human processes that took living matter
as a model for the spontaneous creativity of all matter. The first
numerical law of science stated the relation between musical harmony
and the length of chords. Correspondingly, a particular bent of
our SIG has been a focus on both mathematical form and biological
and psychological processes. The Process SIG was given impetus
by professor Ilya Prigogine,
the father of the process approach in modern physics, at the 1997
Seoul meeting of the ISSS. For the Toronto meeting we plan one
panel and one paper session. Physical, chemical, social, and psychological
processes are considered. We are particularly interested in studies
that analyze how processes at various levels of integration interact
in complex systems. We seek testable scientific theories, practical
methods, and empirical data. Here we invite contributions for
the Toronto meeting of the ISSS in the
following areas: (1) Process Methods. Papers on analytic methods
to study novelty, complexity, diversity, episodic patterns (complexes),
asymmetry, and all other features of creative processes in time
series and other empirical data. (2) Empirical Applications of
the Process Paradigm. How can one apply the process approach in
scientific research, clinical practice,
organizational development, or social action? We particularly
welcome contributions that include empirical data. (3) Advances
in Process Theory. Process theory of processes is an evolving
set of scientific hypotheses. A hypothesis is scientific when
it is grounded on observation, clearly formulated (mathematically
whenever possible), experimentally testable, and practically applicable.
Processes must be described in terms of physical dimensions, plus
additional dimensions of information and organization not included
in standard physics. (4) Mathematical Models. Papers on bios,
chaos, recursive equations, strange attractors, and other mathematical
models of natural processes.
Processes and Human Processes (Chicago Center for Creative
Development) --
Hector Sabelli, 2400 North Lakeview, Suite 2802, Chicago, IL 60614,
USA,
Fax: 1-312-348-4499 -- hsabelli@rpslmc.edu