The Theory of Radially Evolving Energy

Abstract

Evolution is a function of energy itself, and all energetic systems, including societies, evolve within the bounds of thermodynamic laws, Non-equilibrium thermodynamics, joined with ecological energetic analysis, will reveal a strong analogy between chemical, biological, social and ecosystem evolution.In the context of energy and evolution, recent self-organization theories are reviewed, synthesized and extended by the Theory of Radially Evolving Energy (TREE). Radial evolution, describing the increasing concentration of energy density in successively emerging systems, is dimensionally distinct from. yet consistent with, Darwinian theory.Human acceleration of a natural feedback between energy consumption and technology threatens the health of our populations and those of other species. This feedback, formation of intergovernmental systems, mortality of social systems, and loss of individual human freedom to governmental control are predicted by the theory of radial evolution. To understand the adaptive compromises that lie ahead, we must learn the natural parameters that drive and bound society's growth.

Consciousness, Sapience and Sentience—A Metacybernetic View

“…A dissipative structure can dissipate energy, heat and entropy into a system environment. Following Lancaster [156], a nonequilibrium system has a dissipative structure because internal work transforms useful energy (potential) to heat, and to maintain their internal dynamics, there is a requirement that its internal energy structure has an energy flux across its boundary. Since a series of fluctuations may result in increased organisation, stability can result.…”

“…Since a series of fluctuations may result in increased organisation, stability can result. To understand the distinction between the nature of a system and the nature of the consequences of its dissipation, we can refer to the statement ( [156]: p. 50) "to analyse the evolution of art, we would focus on the paint stored on the canvas (useful energy density), rather than on paint spilled and splattered upon the floor (dissipated energy)".…”

Complex Adaptive Systems, Evolutionism, and Ecology within Anthropology: Interdisciplinary Research for Understanding Cultural and Ecological Dynamics

“…(Odum 1996a:16) Anthropologists and other scientists are beginning to apply complex systems theory to social theory. The biological and physical scientists have approached the problem from numerous perspectives and with uneven degrees of social science sophistication (Allen 1982;Costanza et al 1993;De Greene 1993;Dyke 1988;Eldredge and Grene 1992;Forrester 1987;Garfinkel 1987;Geyer 1991;Gunderson et al 1995;Harvey and Reed 1994;Holling 1995;Iberall 1985Iberall , 1987Jantsch 1982;Kahil and Boulding 1996;Lancaster 1989;Loye and Eisler 1987;Maruyama 1982;Nicolis and Prigogine 1989;Odum 1983;Ulanowicz 1996). Archaeologists have recently become interested (Kohler 1992, Gumerman andGell-Mann 1994), especially for applying the non-linear, or pulsing dynamics of complex systems to understanding the collapse of state societies (Tainter 1988, Yoffee andCowgill 1988).…”