Degrees Of Freedom: Living In Dynamic Boundaries
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A01=Alan D M Rayner
Author_Alan D M Rayner
Biodiversity
Boundaries
Category=PSAF
Category=PSF
Category=PSG
Category=PSX
Complex Systems
Contextual Dynamics
Dynamic Systems
Ecology
Environmental Relationships
eq_bestseller
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
eq_non-fiction
eq_science
Evolutionary Processes
Holistic Science
Indeterminacy
Living Systems
Non-Linearity
Pattern-Formation
Product details
- ISBN 9781860941023
- Publication Date: 03 Jan 1997
- Publisher: Imperial College Press
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Paperback
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Drawing especially on insights emerging from studies of the cellular networks formed by fungi, this book describes the fundamental indeterminacy that enables life forms to thrive in and create inconstant circumstances. It explains how indeterminacy arises from counteraction between associative and dissociative processes at the reactive interfaces between living systems and their surroundings. It stresses the relevance of these processes to understanding the dynamic contexts within which living systems of all kinds — including human societies-explore for, use up, conserve and recycle sources of energy.By focusing on dynamic boundaries, the book counterbalances the discretist view that living systems are assembled entirely from building-block-like units — individuals and genes — that can be freely sifted, as opposed to channeled, by natural selection. It also shows how the versatility that enables life forms to proliferate in rich environments, whilst minimizing losses in restrictive environments, depends on capacities for error and co-operation within a fluid, non-hierarchical power structure. Understanding this point yields a more compassionate, less competitive and less self-centred outlook on life's successes and failures.
