Autopoiesis: Unifying Concept Across Diverse Living Systems

Introduction

Notwithstanding their diversity all living systems must. This chapter traces how the concept of autopoiesis originating in the field of theoretical biology with..

Living systems, despite their vast array of forms and functions, share a fundamental characteristic: autopoiesis. This concept lies at the core of understanding the nature of life and its implications across diverse disciplines, ranging from biology to philosophy and sociology.

Autopoiesis, derived from Greek words meaning "self-making," refers to the ability of a system to produce and maintain itself. In essence, living systems are self-organizing entities that continually generate their own components, sustain their boundaries, and regulate their internal processes.

The concept of autopoiesis emerged in the 1970s from the work of Chilean biologists Humberto Maturana and Francisco Varela. Their groundbreaking research sought to define the essential characteristics that distinguish living systems from non-living ones.

This chapter delves into the significance of autopoiesis, tracing its origins in theoretical biology and exploring its far-reaching implications for understanding the nature of life. By examining the self-referential and self-regulating nature of living systems, we gain insights into the fundamental principles that govern their behavior and evolution.