Atoms are Adaptive Systems Based on Functionalist Principles and Driven by Binary Actions
Introduction
The research on the functionality of atoms has concluded. The functionality of atoms follows the principles, laws, and rules of the unicist ontogenetic logic. However, affirming that atoms are adaptive systems is controversial.
Atoms can be considered paradigmatic adaptive systems when analyzed based on their functionality and their interactions with the environment. From an operational point of view, they may not seem to be adaptive systems.
Therefore, we recommend avoiding operational comparisons and instead focusing on the essential functions of adaptive systems: the purpose, the active function, the energy conservation function, and the binary actions that make them work as unified fields. This research was led by Peter Belohlavek at The Unicist Research Institute.
The Functionality of Adaptive System
The functionality of any adaptive entity that is part of a system is defined by its unicist functionalist principles: a purpose, an active function, and an energy conservation function, integrated by the laws of supplementation and complementation. These principles define the unicist binary actions that drive the functionality of the entity.
Although every action typically generates a reaction, binary actions consist of two synchronized actions that avoid generating a reaction. The first action opens possibilities and generates a reaction, which is then complemented by the second action, producing results without triggering further reactions.
The functionality of an airplane clearly illustrates binary actions. An airplane flies based on two fundamental binary actions—the action of the engine and the action of the wings. The first binary action generates propulsion, with the resulting reaction being the airplane’s speed. This airspeed is then utilized by the wings to generate lift, integrating the airplane into its environment without generating an equal and opposite reaction.
Binary actions are grounded in the functionalist principles of an entity and follow the rules of unicist ontogenetic logic.
The Unicist Ontogenetic Logic Explains the Functionality of Atoms
The unicist ontogenetic logic establishes the rules governing all adaptive systems, including atoms. This logic drives the functionality, dynamics, and evolution of all adaptive entities, whether living beings or artificial systems. It provides the structure of unicist ontology, which defines entities based on their functionality, the functionalist principles of adaptive systems, and the binary actions that make things work and evolve.
It is composed of a triadic structure of functions: the purpose, which is not only a goal but also a function; the active function, which materializes the purpose while fostering evolution; and the energy conservation function, which complements the purpose to ensure stability and avoid unnecessary changes.
The causal relationship between the purpose and the active function is established by the supplementation law, while the causal relationship between the purpose and the energy conservation function is defined by the complementation law. The active function and the energy conservation function have no direct causal relationship; instead, they exhibit an indirect operational complementation through the binary actions they generate.
The functionality of atoms is fundamentally explained by the structure and principles of the unicist ontogenetic logic.
The Self-Organization of Adaptive Systems is Driven by the Unicist Ontogenetic Logic
The self-organization of adaptive systems, which are inherently complex, can be explained by demonstrating that all adaptive systems—whether natural or artificial—are driven by their functionalist principles. These principles rely on the laws and rules of unicist ontogenetic logic to manage their functionality, dynamics, and evolution.
This logic structures the functionalist principles that define unicist binary actions, which are systemic actions enabling adaptive systems to function within their environments. Therefore, self-organization is a consequence of the functional logical rules that adaptive systems follow. These functionalist principles act as “strange attractors,” as described in chaos theory.
Addressing the Unified Field of Adaptive Systems
Understanding the functionality of an adaptive system, such as an atom, requires addressing its unified field established by the unicist ontogenetic logic, integrated by the functionalist principle, and defined by purpose, action, and energy conservation functions.
Unlike holistic approaches, it uses the unicist ontogenetic logic to map the ontogenetic framework, aligning each component in its unified oneness. This method ensures a cohesive understanding, managing the interplay of dynamic actions and stabilizing forces, essential for comprehending and influencing the system’s adaptive behavior effectively.
The Functionality of the Unicist Ontogenetic Logic
The unicist ontogenetic logic is an emulation of the intelligence of nature that regulates the functionality of the functionalist principles of any adaptive entity by integrating the purpose, active function, and energy conservation function of entities. It defines their functionality, dynamics, and evolution.
This integration of the functionalist principle is based on the laws of supplementation and complementation. On the one hand, the purpose and the active functions are supplementary, meaning that their intrinsic purposes and active functions are redundant, but the active function has a distinct energy conservation function, which fosters change.
On the other hand, the purpose and the energy conservation function are complementary, meaning their mutual purposes satisfy the requirements of their mutual active functions, but they share a common energy conservation function.
The Double Dialectic of Unicist Binary Actions
These two relationships generate the unicist binary actions (UBAs) that make the entity work as a unified field. The purpose and the active function generate UBAa), which opens possibilities, while the purpose and the energy conservation function address the reaction produced and establish UBAb), which generates results without provoking a reaction.
This development of a set of binary actions is based on the double dialectic of the unicist ontogenetic logic. In this framework, there are two dialectical relationships: one between the purpose and the active function, and another between the purpose and the energy conservation function.
These relationships enable the development of the two binary actions that make adaptive systems work. This is why the dialectical approaches of Hegel and Marx do not reflect the functionality of the real world. This is evident in the case of the atom.
Adaptive systems evolve based on the changes introduced by the active functions integrated into the functionality of the entity.
The functionality of atoms further exemplifies how adaptive systems operate based on these principles..
The Validation Though Destructive Tests
Destructive tests are necessary to manage adaptive systems because they define the limits of applicability and reliability in environments that are constantly changing. Unlike static systems, adaptive systems evolve, rendering traditional falsification ineffective since it requires stable, unchanging conditions to test hypotheses.
Destructive testing pushes solutions to their failure points, exploring boundaries and operational limits. This method ensures decision-making adaptability and resilience by confirming that solutions function under diverse scenarios, reflecting real-world complexities where conditions never remain static.
The Functionality of Atoms as Adaptive Systems
This scientific evidence proves the universal functionality of binary actions in adaptive systems. The Unicist Functionalist Approach to Science, developed by Peter Belohlavek, when applied to atoms, explains their functionality through a triadic structure: protons define the purpose, electrons serve as the active function, and neutrons provide energy conservation. The two binary actions involve electromagnetic force (protons and electrons) to expand interaction possibilities and strong force (binding protons and neutrons) ensuring stability. This interplay embodies the functionalist principles, guiding adaptive behavior by opening possibilities and maintaining atomic cohesion, aligning with the functionalist science framework.
The triadic functionality of atoms is defined by the roles of their components: protons establish the atom’s purpose by defining its identity (atomic number) and creating the positive charge that governs interactions. Electrons act as the active function, enabling adaptability and connectivity through bonding and energy exchange.
Neutrons ensure energy conservation by stabilizing the nucleus, counteracting proton repulsion, and maintaining atomic integrity. Together, they ensure the atom’s structure, stability, and functionality.
The triadic functionalist principle of an atom can be described as follows:
1. Purpose: Protons
- Role: Protons define the identity of the atom. The number of protons in the nucleus (the atomic number) determines the chemical element (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen, gold).
- Functionality:
- Protons carry a positive charge, which interacts with electrons to define the atom’s electromagnetic properties.
- They also contribute to the mass of the nucleus.
- Purpose in the Atom: Establishes the intrinsic nature and stability of the atom by determining its elemental characteristics.
2. Active Function: Electrons
- Role: Electrons enable interaction and adaptability by forming bonds and participating in energy transfer.
- Functionality:
- Govern the atom’s behavior in chemical reactions.
- Facilitate bonding with other atoms through covalent, ionic, or metallic bonds.
- Participate in energy absorption and emission processes (e.g., light, heat).
- Active Function in the Atom: Expands possibilities for interaction and connectivity, allowing atoms to form molecules and complex systems.
3. Energy Conservation Function: Neutrons
- Role: Neutrons provide nuclear stability by mitigating the repulsive electromagnetic force between protons in the nucleus.
- Functionality:
- Add mass to the nucleus without adding charge, helping stabilize the atom.
- Prevent instability in larger nuclei where proton-proton repulsion is strong.
- Influence isotopic variations, impacting an atom’s mass and nuclear behavior.
- Energy Conservation in the Atom: Ensures the cohesion and stability of the nucleus, conserving the atom’s intrinsic energy and preventing decay or disintegration.
The Laws of Complementation and Supplementation are Evident in an Atom’s Structure
Protons and Neutrons (Complementary):
Their functionalities are complementary because together they ensure the stability of the nucleus. Protons provide the positive charge, while neutrons neutralize the repulsive forces between protons, binding the nucleus with the strong nuclear force. This complementarity is essential for maintaining the atom’s structural integrity.
Protons and Electrons (Supplementary):
Their functionalities are supplementary because protons and electrons work together to create the atom’s overall identity and interaction with its environment. Protons establish a positive charge that attracts the negatively charged electrons, forming orbitals. This attraction governs the atom’s external interactions, such as bonding and reactivity, while maintaining a balance of forces within the atom.
This dual relationship—complementarity in the nucleus and supplementarity between the nucleus and electrons—defines the atom’s functionality.
The unicist binary actions of atoms
- UBAa) Electromagnetic Force: This force governs the behavior of electrons, enabling interactions between atoms. It expands possibilities by allowing:
- Chemical bonding, which forms molecules and materials.
- Energy exchange, such as absorption and emission of photons.
- Connectivity, enabling atoms to adapt and form complex systems.
- UBAb) Strong Nuclear Force: This force ensures the intrinsic functionality of the nucleus by:
- Binding protons and neutrons, maintaining the atom’s stability.
- Counteracting the repulsive electromagnetic force between protons.
- Enabling nuclear stability, which is necessary for the atom to serve as a functional unit in matter.
The Functionality of an Atom
Atoms are self-sustained systems governed by:
- UBAa) – Electromagnetic Force: Manages the interaction between the nucleus and electrons, maintaining electron orbitals and enabling chemical interactions.
- UBAb) – Strong Nuclear Force: Ensures the stability of the nucleus by binding protons and neutrons.
The functionality of an atom is driven by two forces: Electromagnetic Force, which manages interactions between the nucleus and electrons, maintaining orbitals and enabling chemical bonding, and Strong Nuclear Force, which ensures nuclear stability by binding protons and neutrons, overcoming proton repulsion. Together, these forces sustain the atom’s structure, stability, and capacity for interaction and transformation.
Conclusion
The functionality of atoms demonstrates the unicist ontogenetic logic by illustrating a triadic structure: protons define the purpose, neutrons the energy conservation function, and electrons the active function. This balance ensures the stability and adaptability of atoms. In living beings, ongoing evolution or involution reflects a disequilibrium similar to changing the balance between protons and electrons.
This model underpins the broader application of the unicist ontology, defining the essential dynamics within any adaptive system, whether natural or artificial.
The Unicist Research Institute
Background: The Unicist Research Institute (TURI), founded in 1976 by Peter Belohlavek, is a private pioneering global organization specializing in the research and management of adaptive systems and complex environments. TURI developed the Unicist Functionalist Approach to Science, which enables understanding and managing the functionality, dynamics, and evolution of systems in nature, business, economics, social sciences, and technology. You can access it at the Unicist Research Library.