Explanation
Self-organisation is the formation or maintenance of order through interactions within a system without a central agent specifying every detail. It does not imply freedom from external conditions, energy inputs or constraints. In the context of emergence, attention shifts from local relations to larger patterns. Which order develops depends on rules, feedback and boundary conditions. An unexpected aggregate effect is not sufficient evidence of self-organisation: its formation must be explained. Nor does self-organised order necessarily imply greater complexity or moral superiority.
Movement of thought
1. Specify system boundaries. 2. Describe local interactions. 3. Trace feedback. 4. Record global patterns. 5. Compare alternative control models.
Scientific use case
Model comparison can test which local rules actually generate an observed pattern.
Example
In a simulation, participants adjust their distance only to neighbours; ordered movement patterns may emerge.
Counterexample
A centrally prescribed sequence is not self-organised merely because many participants carry it out.
Distinction
Distinguish self-organisation from central control, chance alone and the broader concept of emergence.
Effect on thought and perception
The concept connects a formation process with visible order.
Resonance
A pattern can arise without existing anywhere as a complete plan.
Provenance
Parallel corpus 98f0950771ae4662f291d2f15f5c51b6797f3c20ba458a68615cdb177002ea18; case-bounded source review accepted; human specialist review not claimed.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Self-organisation“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-NAV-G05-004. ATLAS 259, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G05-004The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. Editorial reading state: 2026-10-15. Include your access date for precise references.