DETERMINISM (Structural)
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 898 ▶ |
| Object type | Methodology or model |
The set of basic conditions that allows the autogenesis, existence and survival of a system.
According to HARNDEN: “Such a determination is a two way dance in that the unity structurally determines its niche in the same move that its niche structurally determines it” (1990, p.300).
In other words, any system is at least in some measure preadapted to its niche-environment: it is an unavoidable previous condition of survival. However, as no environment is ever absolutely stable, the system must repeatedly adapt and readapt to outside variations, within the limits allowed by its own internal variety.
Thus, structural determinism is a global frame for behavior. but necessarily admits more or less ample fluctuations, which may even appear as random.
In very complex evolutive systems (ecosystems, sociosystems) structural determinism becomes so vast and complex that it practically seems to dissolve, giving much leeway to innovation and creativity.