Chapter 6 - Of Parts, Wholes and Holons

Question 1

Boundaries of systems

Answer 1

Parts of system vs environment, contain sub-systems, sub-sub-systems, etc.

Question 2

System identity

Answer 2

Defined by rules and information, how they relate to each other, and what they do
Have their own structures/physical identities which are maintained or reproduced unchanged over time

Question 3

Holons

Answer 3

a complete system that is simultaneously a subsystem
normally have most influence over others closest to it in holarchy

Question 4

Holarchy

Answer 4

Relationship between holons at different levels of organization
Deeper holons nurture and protect shallower holons, shallower holons have responsibility to play part in maintaining whole
Normally flexible

Question 5

Depth

Answer 5

position of holon in holarchy

Question 6

Holarchy of nature

Answer 6

shallow holons have very little freedom or power but are of fundamental importance
deep holons are powerful but not fundamental
Individuals and populations at same levels
civilization is deeper than biosphere
mind and consciousness are shallower than civilization, but deeper than biosphere

Question 7

span

Answer 7

number of holons at each level

Question 8

biosphere

Answer 8

global ecosystem, existence of culture, mind and consciousness depend on biosphere
normally thought of as forming higher level of organization than animals, but would continue to exists even if higher organisms were destroyed, therefore it’s more fundamental than plants and animals. Similarly, extinction of life wouldn’t destroy molecules but life can’t exist without molecules, hence biosphere is deeper than molecules. Therefore biosphere came into existence at same time as first primitive organisms