Relational holon science and Popper's 3 worlds in engineering practice

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to outline, briefly, Rosen's relational theory of biology engendered relational holon science and Popper's metaphysical ontology of ‘three worlds’ as the shared physical and non-physical. We consider both theories, explore their similarities and to begin to interpret and integrate them into new ways of thinking about the processes of creating engineered systems We propose a model that consists of holons set in a holarchy that is based on a modern interpretation of Aristotle's four causes. Relational holon science is mathematically sound through the causal closure of a holon and formal consistency in category theory. The schema relates the material reality of Popper's world1 and the formal knowledge of world3 through the subjective/experiential world2. The overall aim is to help to improve engineering practice within a theoretical foundation for practical common-sense schema such as Plan, Do Check and Act (PDCA) and Observe, Orient, Decide and Act (OODA) and a different worldview of our natural world.