Autopoetic Systems

Characteristics

M. Schatten and M. Žugaj:

"Varela gave the following definition of autopoietic systems:

“An autopoietic system is organized (defined as a unity) as a network of processes of production (transformation and destruction) of components that produces the components that:

- through their interactions and transformations continuously regenerate and realize the network of processes (relations) that produced them; and

- constitute it (the machine) as a concrete unity in the space in which they [the components] exist by specifying the topological domain of its realization as such a network.”

Maturana stated that “... autopoietic systems operate as homeostatic systems that have their own organization as the critical fundamental variable that they actively maintain constant.” [15; p. 318]. Thus the concept of autopoiesis, at a most basic level, involves organizational preservation and componental (re-)production." (hrcak.srce.hr/file/113963)