Creordics
Understanding how complex systems organize through thermodynamic principles
An Open Exploration
This project explores fundamental patterns that appear across all scales of organization—from quantum processes to global economies. The frameworks presented here represent early attempts to formalize these observations into testable theories.
We invite critical engagement, empirical testing, and collaborative development of these ideas.
Core Concepts
Gradient-Coupled Systems Theory (GCST) proposes that complex adaptive systems organize to maximize energy gradient dissipation over extended timeframes through strategic investment in dissipative capital. This framework unifies observations from thermodynamics, quantum biology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence.
Dissipative Capital Formation (DCF) identifies the mechanism through which complexity emerges—systems invest energy in building structures that enhance future dissipative capacity rather than maximizing immediate throughput. This includes biological capital (organs, proteins), cognitive capital (mental models), social capital (relationships), and even stochastic capital (maintained variability for exploration).
Creordics distills these scientific insights into philosophical axioms that explain purposeful behavior in conscious systems—humans, organizations, and other aware agents. It provides analytical tools for understanding how consciousness shapes gradient processing through choice, self-awareness, and intentional action across nested hierarchies.
Foundational Documents
0a. Welcome Letter: An Invitation to Explore
Personal introduction to the project's origins and invitation to collaborate. Start here.
0b. Convergent Patterns in Complex Systems
Extensive documentation of universal patterns across scientific disciplines, from quantum biology to cultural evolution. Empirical foundation for theoretical frameworks.
0c. Convergent Philosophical Insights into Complex Systems
Historical convergences in philosophical thought about complexity, from Heraclitus to contemporary systems theory. Demonstrates deep intellectual roots of core concepts.
1a. Gradient-Coupled Systems Theory
Comprehensive theoretical framework proposing that complex systems self-organize to maximize energy gradient dissipation through dissipative capital formation. Includes mathematical foundations and falsifiable hypotheses.
2a. Creordics: A Philosophical Framework
Six axioms for understanding conscious systems and volitional behavior. Bridges scientific insights with practical wisdom for navigating choice, agency, and purpose in complex environments.
Key Insights
- Systems invest energy in structures that enhance future capacity rather than maximizing immediate dissipation
- Information gradients ultimately serve energy gradient access, coupling knowledge to thermodynamic flows
- Hierarchical organization emerges from coupling across scales, with causation flowing both upward and downward
- Stochasticity serves as a form of dissipative capital enabling exploration of superior strategies
- Actions produce effects across multiple organizational scales simultaneously
- Consciousness emerges as a gradient assessment mechanism for integrating multi-scale information
- Reflexive self-modeling creates feedback loops between self-representation and action in aware systems
- Phase transitions occur when accumulated capital reaches critical thresholds
- Universal patterns reflect fundamental constraints on complexity emergence
Join the Exploration
This work requires diverse perspectives across disciplines. We seek:
- Mathematical formalization of gradient coupling dynamics
- Empirical validation through experiment and observation
- Practical applications to real-world challenges
- Critical examination of theoretical foundations
Whether you're a researcher, practitioner, or curious thinker who sees these patterns in your field, your insights can contribute to developing these frameworks.
Ready to engage?
ethan@ethanjon.net