Abstract

Introduction

Ontologies Mythical and Scientific

Cracks in the Armour

The Cracks Deepen

Ontology Revitalized

Discussion
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A study of Jung's concept of the archetype, from the perspective of dynamical systems theory, provides the basis for the study of a new class of dynamical system model. Protoarchetypal dynamical systems possess dynamical descriptions involving at least two irreducible frames of reference, and irreducible dynamics defined on these reference frames (semigroup action). A classic example is the cellular automaton, Life. Archetypal dynamical systems are protoarchetypal systems in which there is a mutual coupling between the irreducible dynamics. Classic example iinclude neural dynamics, with the coupling provided via learning mechanisms, and social insect colonies, with the couling provided via pheromones. Archetypes are introduced via the concept of dynamical role. It is argued that archetypal dynamical systems provide a more appropriate class of models for the study of psychological and social systems than standard unitary dynamical systems.

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Presentation Number SAsulis0731
Keywords: archetypes, dynamics, mathematics, ontology, entities