Substrate-Independence Theory

New publication: The Substrate-Independence Theory: Advancing Constructor Theory to Scaffold Substrate Attributes for the Recursive Interaction between Knowledge and Information

Abstract

The substrate-independence theory utilizes sensemaking techniques to provide cognitively based scaffolds that guide and structure learning. Scaffolds are cognitive abstractions of constraints that relate to information within a system. The substrate-independence theory concentrates on the flow of information as the underlying property of the host system. The substrate-independence theory views social systems as complex adaptive systems capable of repurposing their structure to combat external threats by utilizing constructors and substrates. Constructor theory is used to identify potential construction tasks, the legitimate input and output states that are possible, to map the desired change in the substrate’s attributes. Construction tasks can be mapped in advance for ordered and known environments. Construction tasks may also be mapped in either real-time or post hoc for unordered and complex environments using current sensemaking techniques. Mapping of the construction tasks in real-time becomes part of the landscape, and scaffolds are implemented to aid in achieving the desired state or move to a more manageable environment (e.g., from complex to complicated).

— John Turner, Dave Snowden and Nigel Thurlow, The Substrate-Independence Theory, Systems. 2022; 10(1):7

Keywords: constructor; substrate; construction task; substrate-independence theory; constructor theory; complexity; scaffolding; information; knowledge; hierarchy; origins of life

Publication Details

Systems 2022, 10(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems10010007 (registering DOI) Received: 30 November 2021 / Revised: 27 December 2021 / Accepted: 29 December 2021 / Published: 5 January 2022

Authors

1. John Turner (Department of Learning Technologies, College of Information, University of North Texas) 2. Dave Snowden (Cynefin Centre, Wales) 3. Nigel Thurlow (The Flow Consortium, McKinney, TX)

Citation

Turner, J.; Snowden, D.; Thurlow, N. The Substrate-Independence Theory: Advancing Constructor Theory to Scaffold Substrate Attributes for the Recursive Interaction between Knowledge and Information. Systems 2022, 10, 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems10010007

Content / Structure

1. Introduction 2. Constraints vs Constructors 3. Fitness 4. Cynefin Framework 5. Substrate Independence (Information) 6. Constructor Theory 7. Why Constructor Theory 8. Scaffolding 9. Substrate-Independence Theory 10. Application of Substrate-Independence Theory 11. Discussion 12. Conclusions

See also

• LinkedIn Launch by Nigel Thurlow. Notes "The paper is written is accessible language. Abstracts and Titles are alas somewhat less so as they are designed for meta tagging purposes.