The Dynamics of Life model

Abstract

AbstractThis paper attempts to formulate a generic model of living and social system at all levels with three parts. The first is the Dynamics of Life diagram, which follows flows of energy, matter and information through the system. A rule set controls how the parts co‐operate to maintain internal and external processes. As a system acts, it creates the space for a shadow system that opposes it. Unmanaged entropy is expelled or remains as a toxic element.The second is the Tree of Life that outlines the levels of functioning in a human being from biological to psychological to social. Each level manifests the flows as in the Dynamics of Life diagram.The third explores the processes of living and social systems through time and borrows heavily from Holling and Gunderson's Adaptive Cycle. The three parts present an integrated overview of the functioning of living and social systems.