Essay on a General Theory of Complexity: Foundations of the MicroGlobal Approach

The MicroGlobal concept presents a novel approach to addressing the question of the origin and evolution of complexity in the world. It extends the principles of systems theory and thermodynamics to the whole of nature (physical, biological, and social), suggesting a universal, fractal structure that operates at all scales. This approach posits that information, encoded in space-time quanta, is the fundamental element of reality and that it becomes more complex through hierarchical levels (waves, particles, organisms, societies) to maximize the sustainability and adaptability of systems. The MicroGlobal approach delineates self-organized systems by four fundamental functions (reproduction, differentiation, hierarchization, and liaison) determined by three key variables of interactions: hierarchy, reciprocity, and the temporality of exchanges. These interactions are modeled by flows of information, energy, or matter. Systems are analyzed using phase diagrams that represent internal and external flows, allowing their capital and level of structural complexity to be measured. A positive feedback loop is defined as the internal dynamics of complexification that propels systems to organize and grow at the expense of the entropyof their environment. The model delineates five fundamental levels, designated as N in the following order: N0 space-time, N1 waves, N2 particles, N3 biology, and N4 social systems. Each level is distinguished by a specific emergent capital. The transitions between these levels are governed by well-established physical principles, as articulated by Landauer, Einstein, and Newton. A thorough analysis reveals that complex systems emerge between order and disorder, and that their sustainability is linked to their ability to adjust the four fundamental functions to manage local and global constraints. The concept of complexity, as defined by the MicroGlobal framework, offers a comprehensive and cohesive theoretical foundation for understanding the phenomenon of complexity’s emergence within diverse natural systems, ranging from subatomic particles to celestial bodies. The present study proposes an extension of systems theory to all natural phenomena, with a focus on the typology of flows. This approach proposes measurement tools to assess the complexity and sustainability of systems, suggesting that the most complexsystems are also the most sustainable because they are better adapted to solving environmental constraints.