Structure, thermodynamics and information in complex systems

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that transmission of information and information storage or registration depends on structures. Structures emerge from coordinated sets of constraints. Complex systems depend on their structures to function. The temporal sequence of changes in the levels of the complex system determines its behavior. These three concepts are intimately linked with the environment. Environment, structure, function and behavior form a complex system–environment unit, which is the operational unit of existence for all open complex systems. Therefore, it becomes a point in the directional propagation of the cause, where stimulus environment becomes a Creaon, and then the Creaon becomes a Genon, becoming in turn the response to the experienced environment. The formation of structures is the main phenomenon of evolution. Evolution can also be accepted as free, in the sense that it does not cost additional deaths.Design/methodology/approachMathematical and logical development of the structure and thermodynamics in complex systems.FindingsBased on the above considerations, the authors are going to introduce two fundamental principles in Complex systems Theory: the Matthew Effect and the Principle of Sagan.Originality/valueBut as the authors’ purpose is to give a formal definition of a complex system from a totally theoretical point of view, they establish a relationship between concepts of General Systems Theory, Theory of the Environment, linguistics, Information Theory and thermodynamics.