Gianfranco Minati, systems scientist, Mathematics from the University of Milan, Italy. He has switched from a position as executive in a large industrial-financial Italian group (1979-1984) where he collaborated with Professor Dimitris N. Chorafas http://www.weizmann.ac.il/WeizmannCompass/sections/people-behind-the-science/dimitris-n-chorafas to research. He is founder and president of the Italian Systems Society. He is author, co-author and editor of several academic publications. His current research interest focuses on Theoretical incompleteness in complex systems, quasiness, , Artificial Unconscious for AI. Modelling processes of emergence by using Meta-Structures
This article, based on network science, aims to contribute to overcoming its geometric and techno... more This article, based on network science, aims to contribute to overcoming its geometric and technological phases. The novelty consists in considering links of networks as linked by superimposed networks, termed here multiple superimposed soft networks (MSSN), which is introduced as a research issue. Such links of links (termed here as passive links) concern, for instance, correspondences, incompatibilities, and temporal synchronizations between the occurrences of pairs of active links of effective networks, such as those based on electrical and telecommunication. A possible constitutive mechanism of such passive linkage consists of linkage representations for practices and histories of use expressed by their validating statistical reoccurrences. We consider the possible emergent nature of the passive linkage. The reason for introducing the design and usage of MSSN properties as a research issue involves making new approaches to profile and manage networks available. Correspondence between active linkage and MSSN properties should be a matter for an experiential, machine-learning approach. Research issues relate their possible usage on the active linkage such as for classification, comparations, detection of criticalities, diagnosis, performance evaluation, and regulatory as weak forces. Furthermore, the possible identification of standard corresponding configurations of passive and active linkage is finalized to avoid their establishment or, conversely, in facilitating their establishment and keeping their replication in different contexts (or partially and in combinations) and identifying related standardized approaches (also for classes of configurations having significant levels of equivalence). This research project has methodological generalizing aspects of trans-disciplinarity. We conclude by mentioning related research issues.
In this contribution we consider Collective Behaviours as coherent sequences of spatial configura... more In this contribution we consider Collective Behaviours as coherent sequences of spatial configurations adopted by agents interacting through corresponding different structures over time. The approach relates to the one adopted time ago when introducing the concept of Multiple Systems arising when each composing element can play simultaneously or sequentially different roles. In this case each element simultaneously or sequentially belongs to different systems. Multiple structures over time and their sequences are considered as Meta-Structures establishing coherent sequences of different Systems. They are intended as coherent when acquiring emergent properties. Such coherence is considered here as being represented by the values adopted by suitable mesoscopic variables and their properties, i.e., meta-structural properties, allowing the researcher to a) Recognise a phenomenon as emergent; b) Induce emergence of collective behaviour in populations of elements collectively interacting; c) Act on collective emergent phenomena with the purpose to change, regulate and maintain acquired properties and d) Merge different collective emergent phenomena. We introduce a formal tool, i.e., the mesoscopic general vector to represent the adoption, over time, of mesoscopic properties by collectively interacting elements. We mention future experimental lines of activities, future lines of research and possible applications.
Journal on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics (JSCI), 2015
We consider how processes of dynamical, multiple, overlapping, interfering, correlated interactio... more We consider how processes of dynamical, multiple, overlapping, interfering, correlated interactions establishing collective systems are analytically intractable. The metastructures project has the purpose of using mesoscopic (rather than macroscopic or statistical) representations to allow interventions which can suitably modify various properties acquired by emergent collective behaviours. We consider mesoscopic variables and mesoscopic properties as suitable for representing such systems of interactions. Properties of collective systems, such as coherence(s), are considered to be suitably represented by mesoscopic dynamics. Finally, mesoscopic interventions are considered as suitable for acting upon collective systems.
The concept of interaction is widely used in almost all disciplinary and interdisciplinary contex... more The concept of interaction is widely used in almost all disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts. However, such a concept is often used in simplistic ways. We concentrate on scientific aspects, particularly systemic, identifying fundamental conceptual issues and interdisciplinary extensions. For example, a process of interacting is usually considered to occur iteratively in the same way, except for parametric variations, between fixed pairs or entities when one's behavior is assumed to depend on another's behavior. This simplistic view then has effects on the models adopted. A more appropriate concept of interaction should include aspects such as the occurrence of variable interacting pairs, variable interactions, and multiple, in this case, clustered, pairs. Furthermore, their desynchronization, the occurrence of incomplete interactions; interchanging, the exchange of roles, the acquisition of multiple roles, passive interactions such as the maintenance of covariance and correlation, and the establishment of fields of interaction and their mutual influence should be included. The interaction observed-observer is considered here not as a perturbation but in reference to the cognitive expectancies of the observer. This is assuming stable validity of the same model and between the understanding by the active observer and the phenomenon that reacts to being treated as if it were what the observer had in mind. A more appropriate and comprehensive concept of interaction is required. This is particularly true in systems science when dealing with processes of self-organization and emergence, whose models are widely based on simplistic concepts of interaction. The usage of more appropriate representations, based, for instance, on clustering and networking, of interacting in models is expected to allow the implementation of approaches suitable to activate, deactivate, and vary interactions in complex systems, e.g., collective phenomena.
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on ADVANCES in ENGINEERING EDUCATION, 2022
This contribution examines, for didactic purposes, the peculiarities of systems that have the abi... more This contribution examines, for didactic purposes, the peculiarities of systems that have the ability to acquire, maintain and deactivate properties that cannot be deduced from those of their components. We evaluate complex systems that can acquire, lose, recover, vary the predominance of property sequences, characterized by their predominant coherence and variability, through the processes of self-organization and emergence, when coherence replaces organization. We consider correspondingly systemic epistemology as opposed to the classical analytic approach and to forms of reductionism. We outline aspects of the science of complexity such as coherence, incompleteness, quasiness and issues related to its modeling. We list and consider properties and types of complex systems. Then we are dealing with forms of correspondence that concern the original conception of intelligence of primitive artificial intelligence, which was substantially based on the high ability to manipulate symbols, and of those of a complex nature that consider emergent processes, such as inference, the learning, reasoning and memory. Finally, the recognition and acquisition of forms of intelligence in nature is explored, with particular reference to its emerging systemic processes.
International Journal of Biology and Biomedicine, 2023
We consider, elaborate, and present formalizations for some concepts and phenomena characterizing... more We consider, elaborate, and present formalizations for some concepts and phenomena characterizing the science of complexity (i.e., logical openness, theoretical incompleteness, quasi-ness, self-organization and emergence, and models of dynamical coherences), which are used in the following sections. Such concepts are combined with the fact that the issues of life and intelligence are inevitably systemic in nature, as are their constituent and evolutionary processes. We then deal, as topics of complexity, with the themes of possessed or acquired properties such as the intelligence of matter, intelligence of the living, and life. We consider consciousness from self-reflexivity and self-memory. However, because life recognizes life (i.e., itself) and intelligence recognizes intelligence (i.e., itself), it seems there is a closed, self-referential loop. We then present some consequential systemic issues suitable to consider new inquiring, less self-referential approaches as based on logical openness and theoretical incompleteness for further research. Is it possible to figure out a related game for a logically closed environment, and how can this reductionistic prevalent attitude be broken: through internal interventions or necessarily external, different in nature interventions? We may call it the game of acquired intelligent life. Can it be Turing complete as in Conway’s Game of Life?
The purpose of this contribution is to list some current, advanced systemic issues whilst searchi... more The purpose of this contribution is to list some current, advanced systemic issues whilst searching for suitable, possibly theoretical, approaches. As is well known the peculiar aspect characterizing systemics is considered to be the process of acquisition, by collective interactive, interrelated constitutive elements, of properties different than those of the constituent elements themselves. We consider whether the peculiarity of acquiring a property is attributable only to systems, that is, to their processes of interaction among their constituent elements. We consider some elementary examples where the mechanism seems to be different, such as capillarity, composition of properties, density variations, optical properties, percolation, phase transitions, Quantum Field Theory, and the sloppiness of models. The mystical expression “the whole is more than the sum of its parts” could be dealt with in different ways, even within the constructivist role of the observer. We consider how some current systemic issues could take advantage of the adoption of new unconventional approaches, such as the ability to act on phenomena of emergence; the need to have suitable network representations for some primary systemic properties, e.g., adaptation and logical openness; theory-less systems based on concordances in Big Data (are they still systems?); incompleteness and quasi-systems. We consider the difficulties in applying systemic approaches to human societies which may often not be reducible to social systems.
World Scientific Publishing Co., Inc. eBooks, Feb 5, 2009
This book contains the Proceedings of the 2007 Conference of the Italian Systems Society. Papers ... more This book contains the Proceedings of the 2007 Conference of the Italian Systems Society. Papers deal with the interdisciplinary study of processes of emergence, considering theoretical aspects and applications from physics, cognitive science, biology, artificial intelligence, economics, architecture, philosophy, music and social systems. Such an interdisciplinary study implies the need to model and distinguish, in different disciplinary contexts, the establishment of structures, systems and systemic properties. Systems, as modelled by the observer, not only possess properties, but are also able to make emergent new properties; while current disciplinary models of emergence are based on theories of phase transitions, bifurcations, dissipative structures, multiple systems and organization.The present volume focuses on both generalizing those disciplinary models and identifying correspondences and new more general approaches. The general conceptual framework of the book relates to the attempt to build a general theory of emergence as a general theory of change, corresponding to Von Bertalanffy's project for a general system theory.
Proceedings of the International Conference, Oct 24, 2008
... A Theoretical Model 425 Graziano Terenzi Decision Making Models within Incomplete Information... more ... A Theoretical Model 425 Graziano Terenzi Decision Making Models within Incomplete Information Games 441 Natale Bonfiglio, Simone Percivalle ... Di Caprio The Formation of Coherent Domains in the Process of Symmetry Breaking Phase Transitions 685 Emilio Del Giudice ...
In this article we present lists of concepts and approaches both of Bertalanffy’s pre-complexity ... more In this article we present lists of concepts and approaches both of Bertalanffy’s pre-complexity General System Theory (GST) and of post-Bertalanffy Systemics dealing with complexity. We also list examples of phenomena showing such complexity and sources or generators of complexity with special regard to social systems. Such lists should be considered as a list of contents for further, more exhaustive, possibly contradictory, studies as outlined in the conclusions.
Page 61. The Dynamic Usage of Models (DYSAM) GIANFRANCO MINAlT, and SABRINA BRAHMS* 'AIR... more Page 61. The Dynamic Usage of Models (DYSAM) GIANFRANCO MINAlT, and SABRINA BRAHMS* 'AIRS-Associazione Italiana per le Ricerca sui Sislemi-E-mail: gianfranco. minati@ iol. it " MA; 368 Museum Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90065, USA-E-mail: sabejams@ pacbell net ...
This article, based on network science, aims to contribute to overcoming its geometric and techno... more This article, based on network science, aims to contribute to overcoming its geometric and technological phases. The novelty consists in considering links of networks as linked by superimposed networks, termed here multiple superimposed soft networks (MSSN), which is introduced as a research issue. Such links of links (termed here as passive links) concern, for instance, correspondences, incompatibilities, and temporal synchronizations between the occurrences of pairs of active links of effective networks, such as those based on electrical and telecommunication. A possible constitutive mechanism of such passive linkage consists of linkage representations for practices and histories of use expressed by their validating statistical reoccurrences. We consider the possible emergent nature of the passive linkage. The reason for introducing the design and usage of MSSN properties as a research issue involves making new approaches to profile and manage networks available. Correspondence between active linkage and MSSN properties should be a matter for an experiential, machine-learning approach. Research issues relate their possible usage on the active linkage such as for classification, comparations, detection of criticalities, diagnosis, performance evaluation, and regulatory as weak forces. Furthermore, the possible identification of standard corresponding configurations of passive and active linkage is finalized to avoid their establishment or, conversely, in facilitating their establishment and keeping their replication in different contexts (or partially and in combinations) and identifying related standardized approaches (also for classes of configurations having significant levels of equivalence). This research project has methodological generalizing aspects of trans-disciplinarity. We conclude by mentioning related research issues.
In this contribution we consider Collective Behaviours as coherent sequences of spatial configura... more In this contribution we consider Collective Behaviours as coherent sequences of spatial configurations adopted by agents interacting through corresponding different structures over time. The approach relates to the one adopted time ago when introducing the concept of Multiple Systems arising when each composing element can play simultaneously or sequentially different roles. In this case each element simultaneously or sequentially belongs to different systems. Multiple structures over time and their sequences are considered as Meta-Structures establishing coherent sequences of different Systems. They are intended as coherent when acquiring emergent properties. Such coherence is considered here as being represented by the values adopted by suitable mesoscopic variables and their properties, i.e., meta-structural properties, allowing the researcher to a) Recognise a phenomenon as emergent; b) Induce emergence of collective behaviour in populations of elements collectively interacting; c) Act on collective emergent phenomena with the purpose to change, regulate and maintain acquired properties and d) Merge different collective emergent phenomena. We introduce a formal tool, i.e., the mesoscopic general vector to represent the adoption, over time, of mesoscopic properties by collectively interacting elements. We mention future experimental lines of activities, future lines of research and possible applications.
Journal on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics (JSCI), 2015
We consider how processes of dynamical, multiple, overlapping, interfering, correlated interactio... more We consider how processes of dynamical, multiple, overlapping, interfering, correlated interactions establishing collective systems are analytically intractable. The metastructures project has the purpose of using mesoscopic (rather than macroscopic or statistical) representations to allow interventions which can suitably modify various properties acquired by emergent collective behaviours. We consider mesoscopic variables and mesoscopic properties as suitable for representing such systems of interactions. Properties of collective systems, such as coherence(s), are considered to be suitably represented by mesoscopic dynamics. Finally, mesoscopic interventions are considered as suitable for acting upon collective systems.
The concept of interaction is widely used in almost all disciplinary and interdisciplinary contex... more The concept of interaction is widely used in almost all disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts. However, such a concept is often used in simplistic ways. We concentrate on scientific aspects, particularly systemic, identifying fundamental conceptual issues and interdisciplinary extensions. For example, a process of interacting is usually considered to occur iteratively in the same way, except for parametric variations, between fixed pairs or entities when one's behavior is assumed to depend on another's behavior. This simplistic view then has effects on the models adopted. A more appropriate concept of interaction should include aspects such as the occurrence of variable interacting pairs, variable interactions, and multiple, in this case, clustered, pairs. Furthermore, their desynchronization, the occurrence of incomplete interactions; interchanging, the exchange of roles, the acquisition of multiple roles, passive interactions such as the maintenance of covariance and correlation, and the establishment of fields of interaction and their mutual influence should be included. The interaction observed-observer is considered here not as a perturbation but in reference to the cognitive expectancies of the observer. This is assuming stable validity of the same model and between the understanding by the active observer and the phenomenon that reacts to being treated as if it were what the observer had in mind. A more appropriate and comprehensive concept of interaction is required. This is particularly true in systems science when dealing with processes of self-organization and emergence, whose models are widely based on simplistic concepts of interaction. The usage of more appropriate representations, based, for instance, on clustering and networking, of interacting in models is expected to allow the implementation of approaches suitable to activate, deactivate, and vary interactions in complex systems, e.g., collective phenomena.
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on ADVANCES in ENGINEERING EDUCATION, 2022
This contribution examines, for didactic purposes, the peculiarities of systems that have the abi... more This contribution examines, for didactic purposes, the peculiarities of systems that have the ability to acquire, maintain and deactivate properties that cannot be deduced from those of their components. We evaluate complex systems that can acquire, lose, recover, vary the predominance of property sequences, characterized by their predominant coherence and variability, through the processes of self-organization and emergence, when coherence replaces organization. We consider correspondingly systemic epistemology as opposed to the classical analytic approach and to forms of reductionism. We outline aspects of the science of complexity such as coherence, incompleteness, quasiness and issues related to its modeling. We list and consider properties and types of complex systems. Then we are dealing with forms of correspondence that concern the original conception of intelligence of primitive artificial intelligence, which was substantially based on the high ability to manipulate symbols, and of those of a complex nature that consider emergent processes, such as inference, the learning, reasoning and memory. Finally, the recognition and acquisition of forms of intelligence in nature is explored, with particular reference to its emerging systemic processes.
International Journal of Biology and Biomedicine, 2023
We consider, elaborate, and present formalizations for some concepts and phenomena characterizing... more We consider, elaborate, and present formalizations for some concepts and phenomena characterizing the science of complexity (i.e., logical openness, theoretical incompleteness, quasi-ness, self-organization and emergence, and models of dynamical coherences), which are used in the following sections. Such concepts are combined with the fact that the issues of life and intelligence are inevitably systemic in nature, as are their constituent and evolutionary processes. We then deal, as topics of complexity, with the themes of possessed or acquired properties such as the intelligence of matter, intelligence of the living, and life. We consider consciousness from self-reflexivity and self-memory. However, because life recognizes life (i.e., itself) and intelligence recognizes intelligence (i.e., itself), it seems there is a closed, self-referential loop. We then present some consequential systemic issues suitable to consider new inquiring, less self-referential approaches as based on logical openness and theoretical incompleteness for further research. Is it possible to figure out a related game for a logically closed environment, and how can this reductionistic prevalent attitude be broken: through internal interventions or necessarily external, different in nature interventions? We may call it the game of acquired intelligent life. Can it be Turing complete as in Conway’s Game of Life?
The purpose of this contribution is to list some current, advanced systemic issues whilst searchi... more The purpose of this contribution is to list some current, advanced systemic issues whilst searching for suitable, possibly theoretical, approaches. As is well known the peculiar aspect characterizing systemics is considered to be the process of acquisition, by collective interactive, interrelated constitutive elements, of properties different than those of the constituent elements themselves. We consider whether the peculiarity of acquiring a property is attributable only to systems, that is, to their processes of interaction among their constituent elements. We consider some elementary examples where the mechanism seems to be different, such as capillarity, composition of properties, density variations, optical properties, percolation, phase transitions, Quantum Field Theory, and the sloppiness of models. The mystical expression “the whole is more than the sum of its parts” could be dealt with in different ways, even within the constructivist role of the observer. We consider how some current systemic issues could take advantage of the adoption of new unconventional approaches, such as the ability to act on phenomena of emergence; the need to have suitable network representations for some primary systemic properties, e.g., adaptation and logical openness; theory-less systems based on concordances in Big Data (are they still systems?); incompleteness and quasi-systems. We consider the difficulties in applying systemic approaches to human societies which may often not be reducible to social systems.
World Scientific Publishing Co., Inc. eBooks, Feb 5, 2009
This book contains the Proceedings of the 2007 Conference of the Italian Systems Society. Papers ... more This book contains the Proceedings of the 2007 Conference of the Italian Systems Society. Papers deal with the interdisciplinary study of processes of emergence, considering theoretical aspects and applications from physics, cognitive science, biology, artificial intelligence, economics, architecture, philosophy, music and social systems. Such an interdisciplinary study implies the need to model and distinguish, in different disciplinary contexts, the establishment of structures, systems and systemic properties. Systems, as modelled by the observer, not only possess properties, but are also able to make emergent new properties; while current disciplinary models of emergence are based on theories of phase transitions, bifurcations, dissipative structures, multiple systems and organization.The present volume focuses on both generalizing those disciplinary models and identifying correspondences and new more general approaches. The general conceptual framework of the book relates to the attempt to build a general theory of emergence as a general theory of change, corresponding to Von Bertalanffy's project for a general system theory.
Proceedings of the International Conference, Oct 24, 2008
... A Theoretical Model 425 Graziano Terenzi Decision Making Models within Incomplete Information... more ... A Theoretical Model 425 Graziano Terenzi Decision Making Models within Incomplete Information Games 441 Natale Bonfiglio, Simone Percivalle ... Di Caprio The Formation of Coherent Domains in the Process of Symmetry Breaking Phase Transitions 685 Emilio Del Giudice ...
In this article we present lists of concepts and approaches both of Bertalanffy’s pre-complexity ... more In this article we present lists of concepts and approaches both of Bertalanffy’s pre-complexity General System Theory (GST) and of post-Bertalanffy Systemics dealing with complexity. We also list examples of phenomena showing such complexity and sources or generators of complexity with special regard to social systems. Such lists should be considered as a list of contents for further, more exhaustive, possibly contradictory, studies as outlined in the conclusions.
Page 61. The Dynamic Usage of Models (DYSAM) GIANFRANCO MINAlT, and SABRINA BRAHMS* 'AIR... more Page 61. The Dynamic Usage of Models (DYSAM) GIANFRANCO MINAlT, and SABRINA BRAHMS* 'AIRS-Associazione Italiana per le Ricerca sui Sislemi-E-mail: gianfranco. minati@ iol. it " MA; 368 Museum Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90065, USA-E-mail: sabejams@ pacbell net ...
We present some practical guidelines for software implementations of the meta-structure project i... more We present some practical guidelines for software implementations of the meta-structure project introduced in previous contributions. The purpose of the meta-structure project is to implement models not only to detect, but also to induce, change and maintain properties acquired by collective behaviours. We consider the simplified case given by simulated collective behaviours where all the microscopic spatial information (x, y, z) for each interacting agent per instant are available ex-post in a suitable file. In particular, we introduce guidelines to identify suitable mesoscopic variables (clusters) and meta-structural properties suitable for representing coherence of collective behaviours to be also used to induce coherence in non-coherent Brownian behaviours. Furthermore, on the basis of previous contributions which studied in real flocks properties related to topological distances as topological ranges of interaction and scale invariance, here we introduce some comments and proposals to be further studied and implemented for network models of collective behaviours.
Associazione Italiana di Epistemologia e Metodologia Sistemiche, 2021
PRESENTAZIONE DEL LIBRO
Il libro tratta parole e concetti della scienza dei sistemi che studia la... more PRESENTAZIONE DEL LIBRO Il libro tratta parole e concetti della scienza dei sistemi che studia la complessità: parole e concetti poi necessari per rappresentare e gestire i problemi della società postindustriale o società della conoscenza, intercettandone le peculiarità ed evitando che siano trattati inadeguatamente. Si tratta di fenomeni per cui occorre avere approcci basati culturalmente e tecnicamente su concetti quali quelli di sistema, auto-organizzazione, emergenza, complessità, quasità, costruttivismo e incompletezza. Si tratta cioè di avere approcci culturali,scientifici e sociali non fondati sul riduzionismo. Il riduzionismo considera i sistemi come se tali non fossero; sistemi complessi come se non fossero tali; assume completezza, determinismo e precisione come proprietà della scienza tout-court; assume riducibilità di processi e decisioni a procedure; prescrive piuttosto che indurre; ignora l’uso di equivalenze; ignora la molteplicità che sta alla base di coerenze dinamiche, e che sono molto più robuste di singole, costanti strutture. Si tratta di saper concepire approcci a problemi influenzabili ma non decidibili, casi in cui le procedure si rivelano inefficaci, problemi in cui ad azioni incrementate non corrispondono risultati proporzionali, incrementati. E’, come vedremo, il caso di problemi di managemen, di imprenditoria, di investimenti, di rating; e di una scienza che, a fronte di una quantità crescente di dati, come i Big Data, cerca strategie per capire e per orientare fenomeni, piuttosto che presuntuosamente deciderli, come per i processi di auto-organizzazione ed emergenza. Oggi spesso i decisori si trovano a gestire problemi che non capiscono o che, peggio, credono di capire usando conoscenza tradizionale, lineare, non sistemica. Si possono fare molti esempi di fenomeni di questo tipo, che sono effetti sistemici e a lungo raggio di grandi modificazioni, e che però troppo spesso vengono invece letti semplicisticamente solo come effetti indesiderati: pensiamo alle questioni relative al clima e alle migrazioni; alla grande capacità amplificativa e diffusiva dovuta alla globalizzazione che opera per mercati; approcci di manipolazione del consenso, a supporto del consumismo e come rimozione di conflittualità. Approcci non-sistemici a fenomeni di questo tipo non sono risolutivi, rischiano invece di consolidare i problemi riproponendoli semplicemente in forma un po’ variata, ma in realtà rinsaldandoli, giacché estrapolarli li rende intrinsecamente irrisolvibili e insormontabili. Gestire la società post-industriale, la conoscenza della società della conoscenza, senza cognizioni culturali di scienza dei sistemi e della complessità è un po’ come guidare senza patente: i correnti dispositivi informatici, auto-esplicativi, tolleranti ad usi impropri, e le interazioni con dispositivi software-based, ci hanno abituato ad un auto- apprendimento per tentativi del ‘come usare’, senza però capirne il funzionamento. Il rapporto con l’oggettualità, la capacità di usare è stata insomma rovesciata sui dispositivi liberando, almeno in parte, l’utente dal bisogno di capire, ma anche non sollecitando così la sua curiosità e capacitazione consapevole. La finalità di questo libro non è divulgativa. Il testo non ha cioè la finalità di avvicinare alle tematiche della sistemica chi non vi sia già interessato: mira invece a fornire delucidazioni rapide ma di qualità a chi ne ha bisogno, a chi per qualsiasi motivo vuol chiarirsi un po’ in merito. Il libro è dunque pensato per una rapida e facile lettura avendo in mente una readership generica che senta il bisogno di approfondire tali tematiche in quanto nella propria attività quotidiana le sente citate, considerate, tenute come riferimento: può essere il caso ad esempio di studenti, professionisti, docenti, imprenditori, consulenti e, in specifico, gestori della salute (medici, personale ospedaliero, terapeuti); gestori di sistemi sociali (politici, imprenditori, addetti alla sicurezza), di economia (risparmio, investitori); manager e ricercatori. Il testo si può leggere sia sequenzialmente che saltando di parola in parola. Il libro profila concetti fondamentali a livello sufficiente per poterne parlare, ragionarne e orientarsi. In bibliografia e in Appendice sono indicati libri e articoli molto più approfonditi, alcuni dei quali non richiedono conoscenze scientifiche specialistiche.
Electronic Proceedings in Theoretical Computer Science, 2013
This contribution shortly outlines and reviews a theoretical and computational approach for a the... more 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.
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Papers by Gianfranco Minati
emergence, and models of dynamical coherences), which are used in the following sections. Such concepts are combined with the fact that the issues of life and intelligence are inevitably systemic in nature, as are their
constituent and evolutionary processes. We then deal, as topics of complexity, with the themes of possessed or acquired properties such as the intelligence of matter, intelligence of the living, and life. We consider
consciousness from self-reflexivity and self-memory. However, because life recognizes life (i.e., itself) and intelligence recognizes intelligence (i.e., itself), it seems there is a closed, self-referential loop. We then present
some consequential systemic issues suitable to consider new inquiring, less self-referential approaches as based on logical openness and theoretical incompleteness for further research. Is it possible to figure out a related game for a logically closed environment, and how can this reductionistic prevalent attitude be broken: through internal
interventions or necessarily external, different in nature interventions? We may call it the game of acquired intelligent life. Can it be Turing complete as in Conway’s Game of Life?
emergence, and models of dynamical coherences), which are used in the following sections. Such concepts are combined with the fact that the issues of life and intelligence are inevitably systemic in nature, as are their
constituent and evolutionary processes. We then deal, as topics of complexity, with the themes of possessed or acquired properties such as the intelligence of matter, intelligence of the living, and life. We consider
consciousness from self-reflexivity and self-memory. However, because life recognizes life (i.e., itself) and intelligence recognizes intelligence (i.e., itself), it seems there is a closed, self-referential loop. We then present
some consequential systemic issues suitable to consider new inquiring, less self-referential approaches as based on logical openness and theoretical incompleteness for further research. Is it possible to figure out a related game for a logically closed environment, and how can this reductionistic prevalent attitude be broken: through internal
interventions or necessarily external, different in nature interventions? We may call it the game of acquired intelligent life. Can it be Turing complete as in Conway’s Game of Life?
Il libro tratta parole e concetti della scienza dei sistemi che studia la complessità: parole
e concetti poi necessari per rappresentare e gestire i problemi della società postindustriale o società della conoscenza, intercettandone le peculiarità ed evitando che siano trattati inadeguatamente. Si tratta di fenomeni per cui occorre avere approcci basati culturalmente e tecnicamente su concetti quali quelli di sistema, auto-organizzazione, emergenza, complessità, quasità, costruttivismo e incompletezza. Si tratta cioè di avere approcci culturali,scientifici e sociali non fondati sul riduzionismo. Il riduzionismo considera i sistemi come se tali non fossero; sistemi complessi come se non fossero tali; assume completezza, determinismo e precisione come proprietà della scienza tout-court;
assume riducibilità di processi e decisioni a procedure; prescrive piuttosto che indurre; ignora l’uso di equivalenze; ignora la molteplicità che sta alla base di coerenze dinamiche, e che sono molto più robuste di singole, costanti strutture. Si tratta di saper concepire approcci a problemi influenzabili ma non decidibili, casi in cui le procedure si rivelano inefficaci, problemi in cui ad azioni incrementate non corrispondono risultati proporzionali, incrementati. E’, come vedremo, il caso di
problemi di managemen, di imprenditoria, di investimenti, di rating; e di una scienza che, a fronte di una quantità crescente di dati, come i Big Data, cerca strategie per capire e per orientare fenomeni, piuttosto che presuntuosamente deciderli, come per i processi di auto-organizzazione ed emergenza. Oggi spesso i decisori si trovano a gestire problemi che non capiscono o che, peggio, credono di capire usando conoscenza tradizionale, lineare, non sistemica. Si possono fare molti esempi di fenomeni di questo tipo, che sono effetti sistemici e a lungo raggio di grandi modificazioni, e che però troppo spesso vengono invece letti
semplicisticamente solo come effetti indesiderati: pensiamo alle questioni relative al clima e alle migrazioni; alla grande capacità amplificativa e diffusiva dovuta alla globalizzazione che opera per mercati; approcci di manipolazione del consenso, a supporto del consumismo e come rimozione di conflittualità. Approcci non-sistemici a fenomeni di questo tipo non sono risolutivi, rischiano invece di consolidare i problemi
riproponendoli semplicemente in forma un po’ variata, ma in realtà rinsaldandoli, giacché estrapolarli li rende intrinsecamente irrisolvibili e insormontabili. Gestire la società post-industriale, la conoscenza della società della conoscenza, senza cognizioni culturali di scienza dei sistemi e della complessità è un po’ come guidare senza patente: i correnti dispositivi informatici, auto-esplicativi, tolleranti ad usi impropri, e le interazioni con dispositivi software-based, ci hanno abituato ad un auto-
apprendimento per tentativi del ‘come usare’, senza però capirne il funzionamento. Il rapporto con l’oggettualità, la capacità di usare è stata insomma rovesciata sui dispositivi liberando, almeno in parte, l’utente dal bisogno di capire, ma anche non sollecitando così la sua curiosità e capacitazione consapevole. La finalità di questo libro non è divulgativa. Il testo non ha cioè la finalità di avvicinare alle tematiche della sistemica chi non vi sia già interessato: mira invece a fornire delucidazioni rapide ma di qualità a chi ne ha bisogno, a chi per qualsiasi motivo vuol chiarirsi un po’ in merito. Il libro è dunque pensato per una rapida e facile lettura avendo in mente una readership generica che senta il bisogno di approfondire tali tematiche in quanto nella propria attività quotidiana le sente citate, considerate, tenute come riferimento: può essere il caso ad esempio di studenti, professionisti, docenti, imprenditori, consulenti e, in specifico, gestori della salute (medici, personale ospedaliero, terapeuti); gestori
di sistemi sociali (politici, imprenditori, addetti alla sicurezza), di economia
(risparmio, investitori); manager e ricercatori. Il testo si può leggere sia
sequenzialmente che saltando di parola in parola. Il libro profila concetti fondamentali a livello sufficiente per poterne parlare, ragionarne e orientarsi. In bibliografia e in Appendice sono indicati libri e articoli
molto più approfonditi, alcuni dei quali non richiedono conoscenze scientifiche specialistiche.