PHASE COEXISTENCE
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 2540 ▶ |
| Object type | Methodology or model |
A characteristic of a system endowed with a variety of potential phases to which it can switch when necessary in order to maintain its stability.
As stated by R. FIVAZ, their existence “… tend to release the system from external determinants”, as they “… confer to the system features independant of the environment such as identity and autonomy” (1991, p.25).
This model is closely related to ASHBY's variety.
FIVAZ shows that phase coexistence regimes are alterning with metastability phases. He writes: “Each of the two regimes influences parameters which determine the onset of the other regime: metastability increases the system size and eventually leads to phase coexistence, whereas phase coexistence modifies internal couplings so that a new metastability run may start. Thereby, the two regimes generate each other and a stage development takes place where maximization and hierarchization alternate” (Ibid).
This could be an interesting explanation for macro-evolution toward complexity through structural dissipation traded against entropy production increase.