(...um, what do you go by anyway?) wrote:
>> What I see is: A system that is exhibiting deterministic chaos. And
>> directed input into that system for the purpose of perturbing it into a
>> greater degree of balance.
>
>Why balance? And when was there imbalance? How can one know for sure?
You don't ask any easy questions do you?
Well, I might be able to graple with the first one, "Why balance?" Here's a quote from Robert C. Bransfield M.D.:
"All things can be viewed as a system and/or as part of a system, composed of systems and interfacing with other systems. Systems show a circular and cyclic quality to their functioning. Certain principles apply to all systems while other principles are unique to specific types of systems. All are interconnected and affect other systems to varying degrees. All systems are constantly changing and are in dynamic balance with each other.
"Some basic concepts are:
• A system contains a structure of organized components of different types
• No system exists in isolation. A system interfaces with other systems that
may be of a similar or different type.
• The functioning of a system effects multiple other systems and is effected
by multiple other systems
• With the possible exception of the universe and the smallest component of
energy or matter, all systems are components of larger systems and are
composed of smaller systems.
• The constant interaction between systems results in a constant state of
change.
• When a system remains stable while there are changes in other systems, it
is in a state of balance. Balance is a fundamental concept in nature.
• Time is a significant dimension and different effects occur over time.
• A system exerts a feed-forward effect upon a second system. This effect
may be stimulatory (positive) or inhibitory (negative). The second system
may then exert a feedback effect on the first system, which may be either
stimulatory or inhibitory.
• Modulation occurs when the feedback or feed-forward is a complex combinati
on of different positive and negative effects.
"Systems have evolved over time. When we look at the structure of a system, it may appear illogical. As we study the history of how systems have evolved, the current and future structure and functioning of systems are better understood.
"The combination of a systems and evolutionary approach allows us to organize current information in a much more efficient manner. Such an approach is equally effective for astrophysics, biology, psychology, sociology etc."
As for your other two questions, "And when was there imbalance? How can one know for sure?" To the first--most always around these parts. For the second question, I can't give you anything more solid than my instinct. (That would be, "the non-conscious partial-information problem-solving activity of the hippocampus and limbic system" for those of you that don't like the word "instinct.") But this is mostly because I lack the skills and/or vocabulary to put it in words at this point.
Does anyone else see what I'm seeing? Or is my paleo-mammilian, limbic brain out on a limb, all by its lonesome on this one?
-Prof. Tim