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Synergetics (Fuller)From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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For other uses, see Synergetics (disambiguation).

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Synergetics is the empirical study of systems in transformation, with an emphasis on

total system behavior unpredicted by the behavior of any isolated components, includinghumanity’s role as both participant and observer. Since systems are identifiable at every

scale from the quantum level to the cosmic, and humanity both articulates the behavior of

these systems and is composed of these systems, synergetics is a very broad discipline,and embraces a broad range of scientific and philosophical studies including tetrahedraland close-packed-sphere geometries, thermodynamics, chemistry, psychology,

biochemistry, economics, philosophy and theology. Despite a few mainstream

endorsements such as articles by Arthur Loeb and the naming of a molecule“buckminsterfullerene,” synergetics remains an iconoclastic subject ignored by most

traditional curricula and academic departments.

Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) coined the term and attempted to define its scope in his

two volume work Synergetics [1]HYPERLINK \l "cite_note-1"[2]HYPERLINK \l

"cite_note-2"[3]. His oeuvre inspired many researchers to tackle branches of synergetics.

Three examples: Haken explored self-organizing structures of open systems far from

thermodynamic equilibrium, Amy Edmondson explored tetrahedral and icosahedralgeometry, and Stafford Beer tackled geodesics in the context of social dynamics. Many

other researchers toil today on aspects of Synergetics, though many deliberately distancethemselves from Fuller’s broad all-encompassing definition, given its problematic

attempt to differentiate and relate all aspects of reality including the ideal and the

physically realized, the container and the contained, the one and the many, the observer and the observed, the human microcosm and the universal macrocosm.

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Contents

• 1 Definition

• 2 Σ ι γ ν ι φ ι χ α ν χ ε

• 3 Τ ε τ ρ α η ε δ ρ α λα χ χ ο υ ν τ ι ν γ

• 4 Σ τ α ρ τ ι ν γ ω ι τ η Υ ν ι ϖ ε ρ σ ε

• 5 Ι ν τ υ ι τ ι ϖ εγ ε ο µ ε τ ρ ψ

• 6 Σ ο χ ι α λ

χ ο µ µ ε ν τ α ρ ψ

• 6.1 In social systems

• 7 Academic Acceptance

• 8 Ε ρ ρ α τ α

• 9 Α β ο υ τ σ ψ ν ε ρ γ ψ

• 10 Σ ε ε α λ σ ο

• 11 Ν ο τ ε σ

• 12 Ρ ε φ ε ρ ε ν χ ε σ

13 Ε ξ τ ε ρ ν α λ λ ι ν κ σ

[edit] Definition

Synergetics is defined by R. Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) in his two booksSynergetics: Explorations in the Geometry of Thinking and Synergetics 2: Explorations

in the Geometry of Thinking as:

A system of mensuration employing 60-degree vectorial coordination

comprehensive to both physics and chemistry, and to both arithmetic andgeometry, in rational whole numbers ... Synergetics explains much that has not

been previously illuminated ... Synergetics follows the cosmic logic of the

structural mathematics strategies of nature, which employ the paired sets of thesix angular degrees of freedom, frequencies, and vectorially economical actions

and their multi-alternative, equi-economical action options ... Synergetics

discloses the excruciating awkwardness characterizing present-day mathematical

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[edit] Significance

Several authors have tried to characterize the importance of Synergetics. Amy Edmonson

asserts that "Experience with synergetics encourages a new way of approaching and

solving problems. Its emphasis on visual and spatial phenomena combined with Fuller's

holistic approach fosters the kind of lateral thinking which so often leads to creative breakthroughs."[9]. Cheryl Clark points out that "In his thousands of lectures, Fuller

urged his audiences to study synergetics, saying `I am confident that humanity's survival

depends on all of our willingness to comprehend feelingly the way nature works.'" [10]

[edit] Tetrahedral accounting

A chief hallmark of this system of mensuration was its unit of volume: a tetrahedron

defined by four closest-packed unit-radius spheres. This tetrahedron anchored a set of

concentrically arranged polyhedra proportioned in a canonical manner and inter-connected by a twisting-contracting, inside-outing dynamic named the Jitterbug

Transformation.

ShapeVolu

meProperties Shape

Volum

eA B T

A,B,T modules 1/24 tetrahedral voxels A module 1/24 1 0 0

MITE 1/8 space-filler, 2As, 1B B module 1/24 0 1 0

Tetrahedron 1 self dual T module 1/24 0 0 1

Coupler 1 space filler MITE 1/8 2 1 0

Cuboctahedron 2.5 cb.h = 1/2, cb.v = 1/8 of 20 Tetrahedron 1 24 0 0

Duo-Tet Cube 3 24 MITEs Coupler 1 16 8 0

Octahedron 4 dual of cube Duo-Tet Cube 3 48 24 0

Rhombic

Triacontahedron5 radius rt.h < 1, rt.v = 2/3 of 7.5 Octahedron 4 48 48 0

Rhombic

Dodecahedron6

space-filler, dual to

cuboctahedronRhombic Triacontahedron 5 0 0 120

RhombicTriacontahedron 7.5 rt.h = phi/sqrt(2) Rhombic Dodecahedron 6 96 48 0

Icosahedron~18.5

1edges 1 = tetrahedron's edges Cuboctahedron 20

33

6

14

40

Cuboctahedron 20 edges 1, cb.h = 1 2F Cube 24384

192

0

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The synergetics coordinate system -- in contradistinction to the XYZ coordinate

system -- is linearly referenced to the unit-vector-length edges of the regular

tetrahedron, each of whose six unit vector edges occur in the isotropic vector matrix as the diagonals of the cube's six faces. (986.203)

The IVM scaffolding or skeletal framework was defined by cubic closest packed spheres(CCP), alternatively known as the FCC or face-centered cubic lattice, or as the octet truss

in architecture (on which Fuller held a patent). The space-filling complementary

tetrahedra and octahedra characterizing this matrix had prefrequency volumes 1 and 4respectively (see above).

A third consequence of switching to tetrahedral mensuration was Fuller's review of the

standard "dimension" concept. Whereas "height, width and depth" have been promulgated as three distinct dimensions within the Euclidean context, each with its own

independence, Fuller considered the tetrahedron a minimal starting point for spatial

cognition. His use of "4D" was in many passages close to synonymous with the ordinarymeaning of "3D," with the dimensions of physicality (time, mass) considered additional

dimensions.

Geometers and "schooled" people speak of length, breadth, and height as

constituting a hierarchy of three independent dimensional states -- "one-

dimensional," "two-dimensional," and "three-dimensional" -- which can be

conjoined like building blocks. But length, breadth, and height simply do not existindependently of one another nor independently of all the inherent characteristics

of all systems and of all systems' inherent complex of interrelationships with

Scenario Universe.... All conceptual consideration is inherently four-dimensional.Thus the primitive is a priori four-dimensional, always based on the four planes of

reference of the tetrahedron. There can never be less than four primitive

dimensions. Any one of the stars or point-to-able "points" is a system-ultratunable, tunable, or infratunable but inherently four-dimensional. (527.702,

527.712)

Synergetics did not aim to replace or invalidate pre-existing geometry or mathematics,

was designed to carve out a namespace and serve as a glue language providing a new

source of insights.

[edit] Starting with Universe

Fuller's geometric explorations provided an experiential basis for designing and refining a philosophical language. His overarching concern was the co-occurring relationship

between tensile and compressive tendencies within an eternally regenerative Universe."Universe" is a proper name he defined in terms of "partially overlapping scenarios"while avoiding any static picture or model of same. His Universe was "non-

simultaneously conceptual":

Because of the fundamental nonsimultaneity of universal structuring, a single,

simultaneous, static model of Universe is inherently both nonexistent and

conceptually impossible as well as unnecessary. Ergo, Universe does not have a

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reappeared somewhere else in his Universe. He modeled a threshold between associative

and disassociative energy patterns with his T-to-E module transformation ("E" for

"Einstein").(Fig 986.411A)

Synergetics is in some ways a library of potential "science cartoons" (scenarios)

described in prose and not heavily dependent upon mathematical notations. Hisdemystification of a gyroscope's behavior in terms of a hammer thrower, pea shooter, and

garden hose, is a good example of his commitment to using accessible metaphors. (Fig.

826.02A)

His modular dissection of a space-filling tetrahedron or MITE (minimum tetrahedron)

into 2 A and 1 B module served as a basis for more speculations about energy, the former

being more energy conservative, the latter more dissipative in his analysis.(986.422HYPERLINK "http://www.rwgrayprojects.com/synergetics/s09/p2000.html" \l

"921.20"921.20, 921.30). His focus was reminiscent of later cellular automaton studies in

that tessellating modules would affect their neighbors over successive time intervals.

[edit] Social commentarySynergetics informed Fuller's social analysis of the human condition. He identified

"ephemeralization" as the trend towards accomplishing more with less physical resources,

as a result of increasing comprehension of such "generalized principles" as E = Mc2.

He remained concerned that humanity's conditioned reflexes were not keeping pace with

its engineering potential, emphasizing the "touch and go" nature of our current predicament.

Fuller hoped the streamlining effects of a more 60-degree-based approach within natural

philosophy would help bridge the gap between C.P. Snow's "two cultures" and result in agreater level of scientific literacy in the general population. (935.24)

[edit] In social systems

In management science, synergetics was first applied to deliberative structures by

Stafford Beer , whose syntegration method is based so specifically on geodesic dome design that only fixed numbers of persons, determined by geodesic chord factors, can

take part in the process at each deliberation stage. Beer's earlier work was briefly applied

by the government of Salvador Allende in Chile in the early 1970s. This was ProjectCybersyn- a portmanteau word from "Cybernetic synergy". The approach is applied

today as a series of related management methods. All of these seek some macroscopic

order of priorities by taking some path of integrating diverse positions or attitudes tosome problem, making the synergetic assumption that priorities will converge under theconstraint of viability.

There are similar themes in the work especially of Jay Forrester and Donella Meadows who sought leverage on social and management problems by seeking out an emerging

macroscopic order. Under synergetic assumptions, this could often be reliably found by

determining the points of greatest resistance to change by an older or inertial macroscopic

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order. The twelve leverage points of Meadows apply the order parameter concept but

without making the assumption of "enslaving" lower-leverage points to the higher-

leverage. A similar view is expressed in the deep framing theory of linguist GeorgeLakoff , in which basic conceptual metaphors partly but do not completely determine the

actions of their users.

As in all social sciences, conscious goals, choices, free will, self-interest and self-

awareness prevent any control groups or strictly predictive models from applying to

human problems as they do in natural sciences. In Meadows' leverage model the leverageof self-organization is explicitly below that of goal-setting, and much below that of

mindsets and the ability to change them. The synergetic assumptions apply mostly to the

lower leverage factors, while the higher leverage factors follow principles more like

Lakoff's. However, the basic relationship remains: fast-relaxing (stable) modes are atleast partly determined or strongly biased by the 'slow' dynamics of only a few

parameters. Lakoff argued in his Moral Politics that there could be as few as one basic

metaphor (state as parent) determining a vast range of political choices and policymaking patterns.

See Korotayev A., Malkov A., Khaltourina D.: Introduction to Social Macrodynamics:

Compact Macromodels of the World System Growth. Moscow: URSS, 2006. ISBN 5-

484-00414-4 [1].

[edit] Academic Acceptance

Fuller hoped to gain traction for his ideas and nomenclature by dedicating Synergetics toH.S.M. Coxeter (with permission) and by citing page 71 of the latter's Regular Polytopes

to suggest where his A & B modules (depicted above) might enter the literature (see Fig.

950.12). Dr. Arthur Loeb provided a prologue and an appendix to Synergetics discussing

its overlap with crystallography, chemistry and virology.

However few if any academic departments, outside of Literature, have much tolerance for

such an intuitive and/or exploratory approach, even with a track record of inventions andsuccesses attached. Synergetics is difficult to pigeon-hole and is not in the style of any

currently practiced discipline. E.J. Applewhite, Fuller's chief collaborator on Synergetics,

related it to Edgar Allan Poe's Eureka: A Prose Poem , in terms of its being ametaphysical work.

[edit] Errata

A two volume work of this size is going to have some outright mistakes. A major bug

Fuller himself catches involves a misapplication of his Synergetics Constant inSynergetics 1, leading him to delude himself into thinking he had discovered a radius 1

sphere of 5 tetravolumes. He provides a patch in Synergetics 2 in the form of his T&E

module thread. (986.206 - 986.212)

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[edit] About synergy

Synergetics refers to synergy: either the concept of the output of a system not foreseen by

the simple sum of the output of each system part, or simply — less used — another term

for negative entropy — negentropy.

[edit] See also

• Cloud Nine

• ∆ ψ µ α ξ ι ο ν Η ο υ σ ε

• Γ ε ο δ ε σ ι χ ∆ ο µ ε

• Ο χ τ ε τ Τ ρ υ σ σ

• Σ ψ ν ε ρ γ ε τ ι χ σ χ ο ο ρ δ ι ν α τ ε σ

• Τ ε ν σ ε γ ρ ι τ ψ

Θ υ α δ ρ α ψ χ ο ο ρ δ ι ν α τ ε σ

[edit] Notes

^ Synergetics, http://www.rwgrayprojects.com/synergetics/synergetics.html

^ Fuller, R. Buckminster (1963). No More Secondhand God . Carbondale andEdwardsville. pp. 118–163.

^ CJ Fearnley, Presentation to the American Mathematical Society (AMS) 2008Spring Eastern Meeting, p. 6. Retrieved on 2010-01-26.

^ Synergetics, Sec. 200.01-203.07

^ Fuller, R. Buckminster (1963). No More Secondhand God . Carbondale and

Edwardsville. pp. 118–163.

^ Edmondson, Amy C. (1987). A Fuller Explanation: The Synergetic Geometry of R.

Buckminster Fuller . Boston: Birkhauser. pp. ix. ISBN 0-8176-3338-3.

^ Cheryl Clark, 12 degrees of Freedom, Ph.D. Thesis, p. xiv

^ Synergetics, Sec. 251.50

^ Edmondson 1987, pp. ix-x

^ Clark , p. xiv

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[edit] References

• R. Buckminster Fuller (in collaboration with E.J. Applewhite, Synergetics:

Explorations in the Geometry of Thinking [2], online edition hosted by R. W.

Gray with permission [3], originally published by Macmillan [4], Vol. 1 in 1975

(with a preface and contribution by Arthur L. Loeb; ISBN 002541870X), and Vol.2 in 1979 (ISBN 0025418807), as two hard-bound volumes, re-editions in

paperback.

• Amy Edmondson, A Fuller Explanation, EmergentWorld LLC, 2007.

[edit] External links

• Complete On-Line Edition of Fuller's Synergetics

• ΩΝ Ε Τ : Σ ψ ν ε ρ γ ε τ ι χ σ β ψ Ε. ϑ . Α π π λ ε ω η ι τ ε

• Σ ψ ν ε ρ γ ε τ ι χ σ 101 video of Joe Clinton at RISD 2007.

• Ω η α τ ι σ Σ ψ ν ε ρ γ ε τ ι χ σ ? at Buckminster Fuller Institute

• Α Φ υ λ λ ε ρ Ε ξ π λ α ν α τ ι ο ν : Τ η εΣ ψ ν ε ρ γ ε τ ι χ Γ ε ο µ ε τ ρ ψ ο φ Ρ .Β υ χ κ µ ι ν σ τ ε ρ Φ υ λ λ ε ρ

• Χ η ε ρ ψ λ Χ λ α ρ κ ∋ σ Π η ∆ τ η ε σ ι σ ∀12 ∆ ε γ ρ ε ε σο φ Φ ρ ε ε δ ο µ ∀

• Σ ψ ν ε ρ γ ε τ ι χ σ σ ε χ τ ι ο ν ο φ τ η εΒ υ χ κ µ ι ν σ τ ε ρ Φ υ λ λ ε ρ ΦΑ Θ

• Σ ψ ν ε ρ γ ε τ ι χ σ ο ν τ η ε Ω ε β

• CJ Fearnley, Reading Synergetics: Some Tips

Σ ψ ν ε ρ γ ε τ ι χ σ Χ ο λ λ α β ο ρ α τ ι ϖ ε

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