SENESCENCE in complex systems
Charles François (2004). SENESCENCE in complex systems, International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(2): 3015.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 3015 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Human sciences |
H.T. ODUM states: “senescence is a property of the compact and complex” and adds that those: “Associations which have monolithic structures… develop senescence”. Such structures “… do develop where power flows are highly concentrated” (1971, p.143-144).
As exemples he gives crowded barnacle growths and overcluttered and dilapidated urban neighborhoods.
Senescent complex systems undergo destructive crisis which allows for their renovation or replacement.
It is however not clear how the concept (originated in ecology) could be applied to strongly integrated systems, as for example an individual living being.