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STPrism

Geoffrey Vickers

4 min read

Based on the provided sources, the relationship between these five concepts can be visualized as a cycle of structural maintenance (Hierarchy/Constraint) subjected to dynamic evolution (Causality/Non-Ergodicity), leading to structural transformation (Speciation).

The following Mermaid diagram and explanation illustrate this dynamic logic found in Vickers’ work.

The Systemic Cycle of Regulation and Change

graph TD
    subgraph Structure_and_Stability
    H[Hierarchy] -->|Imposes| C[Constraints]
    C -->|Creates Coherence & Enablement| AS(Appreciative System)
    end

    subgraph Process_and_Change
    AS -->|Mediates| CC{Circular Causality}
    CC -->|Events change Ideas<br/>Ideas change Events| NE[Non-Ergodicity]
    NE -->|History Accumulates<br/>Norms Change| DIV(Divergence/Incoherence)
    end

    subgraph Transformation
    DIV -->|Strain exceeds<br/>Constraint| S[Speciation]
    S -->|Fission into<br/>New Units| H
    end

    %% Relationships
    Env[Environment/Flux] -->|Input| CC
    CC -->|Action| Env
    
    style H fill:#e1f5fe,stroke:#01579b,stroke-width:2px
    style NE fill:#fff9c4,stroke:#fbc02d,stroke-width:2px
    style S fill:#ffccbc,stroke:#d84315,stroke-width:2px
    style C fill:#e1f5fe,stroke:#01579b,stroke-width:2px

Explanation of Elements

**1. Hierarchy and Constraint (The Structure)**Vickers views systems (whether biological or social) as organized in a hierarchy of levels[1].

• Role of Constraint: The stability of any level in the hierarchy depends on constraints. Higher levels (e.g., a society) impose constraints on lower levels (e.g., individuals), but these constraints are also enablements[2][3].

• Coherence: Without these constraints (rules, roles, mutual expectations), the system loses its form and coherence[4][5]. Ideally, these constraints are internalized as “self-expectations” or responsibility[6][7].

**2. Causality (The Mechanism)**Within this structure, causality is not a linear “A causes B” mechanical process. It is circular causality[8].

• The Two-Stranded Rope: History is described as a “two-stranded rope” where the history of events and the history of ideas (the Appreciative System) interact[9][10].

• Feedback: Our ideas determine how we act on events, and the results of those actions change our ideas[11][12].

**3. Non-Ergodicity (The Trajectory)**Because causality is circular and involves learning, the system is non-ergodic (historically unique).

• Irreversibility: The system does not return to a previous state; it evolves along a path where the “rules” (appreciative settings) themselves change over time[13][14].

• Unpredictability: We cannot predict the future based on statistical pasts because the norms defining the system are “self-set” and constantly revised by experience[15][16]. The system is a product of its own specific history, not just universal laws[17].

**4. Speciation (The Outcome)**As a system evolves non-ergodically, it may reach a point where the divergent “appreciative settings” of its members can no longer be held together by the existing hierarchy and constraints.

• Fission: To restore coherence, the system undergoes speciation (or fission). It splits into smaller, more homogeneous units[18][19].

• Intra to Inter: This converts “intrasystemic strains” (internal incoherence) into “intersystemic conflicts” (external relations between new distinct groups), which may be easier to manage[18]. This explains the proliferation of nation-states and subcultures in a globalized world[20][21].

Graph View