Nonlinear Phenomena in Complex Systems, 2002, Vol.5, No.4, pp.364-371

NONLINEAR PHENOMENA IN COMPLEX SYSTEMS
An Interdisciplinary Journal

2002, Vol.5, No.4, pp.364-371

The Complementary Nature of Coordination Dynamics: Self-organization and Agency pp.364-371
J.A. Scott Kelso

Twenty years of empirical and theoretical research has demonstrated that basic forms of biological coordination arise and change due to self-organizing synergetic processes. Here we suggest, using facts and ideas from brain research and quantum measurement theory, that metastability in the underlying coordination dynamics is crucial for the creation and annihilation of meaningful information. Such information may then be used to guide, modify and direct the activities of an organism.
Key words: coordination dynamics, self-organization, broken symmetry, metastability, meaningful information, agency

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