Process theory formulates the world view of nature and human life as creative
processes --an alternative to predominant views that regard them as determined by invariant physical, biological,
or social laws, by random chance, or by supernatural will. Process theory is an evolving set of hypotheses postulated
as universal principles governing natural and mental processes [Sabelli, 1989, 1998; Sabelli et al, 1997]. These
are scientific hypotheses insofar as they are grounded in empirical data, mathematically formulated, practically
applicable, and testable both empirically and by way of mathematical modeling.
The hypotheses to be tested here are:
(1) Action: Process theory extends the concept of action (energy x time) to all levels of organization. Physical
and mental processes are sequences of actions, i.e. flows of physical energy. The Planck constant has the dimension
of action, indicating that there is no energy separate from time. Even the void is in flux, rather than empty,
constantly generating pairs of opposite virtual particles.
(2) Opposition: Processes contain and generate complementary opposites. Complementarity implies both similarity
and difference, and both synergism and antagonism. Mutually-orthogonal forces are paradigmatic of complementarity.
Opposition is universal, and encodes information.
(3) Co-creation: Just as the interaction of complementary sexes procreates, the interaction of complementary actions
generates form, ranging from transient patterns to stable three dimensional structures to high dimensional life-like
organization. Complexity is generated by the interaction of complementary opposite actions of roughly similar and
moderate intensity. Thus natural processes are spontaneously creative, i.e. they exhibit novelty, complexity, diversity,
and organization. Stabilization generates structure, not equilibrium.
(4) Mathematical form: Organization, quality, and complexity are embodied in algebraic, symbolic, and numerical
forms (Pythagoras, Galileo, Gödel). As energy, matter and ideas are all made of the same "stuff",
action, it is form alone that determines identity and difference. Numbers measure the complexity of organization
as the number of dimensions (physical, informational and formal) [Sabelli et al, 1997], and thereby describe the
pattern underlying quality and identity. Changes in quality are "non-linear" consequences of changes
in quantity [Engels, 1940].
(5) Simple processes precede, make up, enclose, and outlast the complex patterns they generate (priority of the simple). Complex processes exercise
control over many of the simple processes that constitute them (supremacy
of the complex) [Sabelli and Carlson-Sabelli, 1989]. Mathematical form
has priority, because it is embodied in all processes, at all levels of organization, while psychobiological processes
have supremacy insofar as they are the highest processes developed by evolution (as far as we know), they control
the functions of the body, and they determine human perception, interpretation, and logical reasoning.
From: Sabelli , H. and L. Kauffman 1999. The Process Equation: Formulating And Testing The Process Theory Of Systems.
Cybernetics and Systems 30: 261-294.
Process theory is developed in conjunction with analytic process methods, a mathematical formulation, a clinical approach,
and a vision for social action. There is no single publication presenting all these aspects. A book is being prepared. At this time, this web
site is the best summary.
There is a laymen's introduction to co-creation, the central concept of process theory.
The most comprehensive presentation still is the original publication "Union of Opposites: A Comprehensive
Theory of Natural and Human Processes" by H. Sabelli (Lawrenceville, VA: Brunswick Publishing, 1989). It presents
the theory and some psychological applications, but does not include the process equation, or analytic methods.
A few copies are still available.
Another reference is the International Encyclopedia
of Systems and Cybernetics edited by C. François.
See also:
Sabelli H. and Carlson-Sabelli L. 1989. Biological Priority and Psychological Supremacy, a New Integrative Paradigm
Derived from Process Theory. American Journal of Psychiatry 146 1541-1551.
