ORDER
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 2375 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Methodology or model |
The set of possible interrelations (synchronic and diachronic) among elements, arranged in a collection or in a system.
According to E. LASZLO: “Order in a system refers to the invariance that underlies its transformations of state, and by means of which the system's structure can be identified” (1974, p.210).
However “these relations… can undergo transformations” (Ibid). An hydrogen atom in a water molecule can be again separated, and enter in other combinations. However, through fusion, it disappears, becoming partly an element of an helium atom, “minus a radiated surplus of energy” (Ibid). The concept of order also becomes more and more elusive at higher degrees of complexity.
The concept of order includes structures, functions and, or processes.
At least three different types of order may be distinguished:
1s- Algorithmic order
The complete set of possible interrelations is precisely prescribed in a set of invariable instructions. Generally the sequential order of succession of the various but exclusively possible states is also prescribed.
2s- Statistical order
The set of possible interrelations becomes slowly revealed by a sufficient number of observations or experiments.
The sequential order of the possible states is frequently indeterminated (Markov chains, Chaos).
If an algorithm can be extracted from the statistics, its predictive value remains always doubtful: Averages are never totally free of atypical fluctuations.
3s- Innovative order
This is the so-called order (or complexity) from noise. It is proper of self-organizing systems who enhance their variety by using part of their internal redundancy to give significance to noise coming from their environment.
The study of increase, conservation or destruction of order are considered among others by synergetics, thermodynamics and autonomy theory under its various guises.