Meta-Structures: The Search of Coherence in Collective Behaviours (without Physics)

TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical and computational framework for understanding and influencing collective behaviors through meta-structures, emphasizing the observer's role in identifying mesoscopic variables to induce or restore coherence without relying on physical laws.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of meta-structures and a novel approach to studying change in systems where traditional physics-based laws are not applicable.

Findings

Framework for analyzing collective behaviors via meta-structures

Method for designing interventions to influence system coherence

Insights into non-physical dynamics of change

Abstract

This contribution shortly outlines and reviews a theoretical and computational approach for a theory of change concerning systems where it is not possible to apply the laws of motion ab initio. The concept of meta-structure relates to the emergence of forms of spatiotemporal coherences in collective behaviours intended as coherent sequences of multiple structures. The essential difference compared with traditional methods is the role of the cognitive design by the observer when identifying multiple mesoscopic variables. The goal is both to study the "change without physics" of the dynamics of change and to design non-catastrophic interventions having the purpose to induce, change, keep or restore collective behaviours by influencing -at the mesoscopic level -and not prescribing explicit rules and changes.