Organismic sets: II. Some general considerations

The theory of organismic sets, developed in previous papers (Bull. Math. Biophysics,29, 139–152; 389–393; 643–647) is further generalized. To conform better with some biological and sociological facts the basic definitions are made more general. The conclusion is reached that every organismic setS _o is in general the union of three disjoined subsetsS _o1 ,S _o2 andS _o3 . Of these the subsetS _o1 , called the “core” is equivalent to an organismic set defined in previous publications. Its functioning is essential for the functioning ofS _o . The subsetsS _o2 andS _o3 , taken alone, are not organismic sets. The first of them is responsible for such biological or sociological functions which are not necessary for the “immediate” survival ofS _o but which are important for adaptation to changing environment and are therefore essential for a “long range survival.” The second one,S _o3 , is responsible for biological or social functions which are irrelevant for the survival ofS _o . Biological and sociological examples ofS _o2 andS _o3 are given. In addition to the fundamental theorem established in the first of the above mentioned papers, three new conclusions are derived. One is that in organismic sets of order higher than zero not all elements are specialized. The second is that every organismic set of order higher than zero is mortal. The third is that with increasing specialization the intensities of some activities in some elements ofS _o are reduced. Again the biological and sociological examples are given. At the end some very general speculations are made on the possible relation between biology and physics and on the possibility of “relationalizing” physics.