An Agent

Abstract

There was almost no mention in the last chapter about cycles as they occur in living networks. This is not to deem them inconsequential; on the contrary, they deserve special consideration as agents capable of strongly influencing the overall network structure. However, to appreciate this potential, it becomes necessary to regard a flow cycle as a structure with an existence that is to some degree independent of its constituents. To show that such autonomy is a strong probability becomes a rather delicate task involving reflexive reasoning that bears resemblence to circular logic. Of course, if nature abhors a vacuum, then it might as readily be said that logic abhors a cycle. Most arguments are structured to proceed over an unambiguous chain of reasoning from antecedent to consequence, from cause to effect, from force to ensuing transition. Circular reasoning is generally to be avoided. An effect as its own cause is unsettling to almost everyone. Hence, anyone addressing circular causality in nature is almost certain to be suspect, if not for his motives, then at least for weaknesses in his reasoning.

“…the cause of the event is neither in the one nor in the other but in the union of the two. Or in other words, the conception of a cause is inapplicable to the phenomena we are examining.” Leo Tolstoy War and Peace, Epilogue II