Ecological Orientors: Emergence of Basic Orientors in Evolutionary Self-Organization

Abstract

According to orientation theory, multidimensional value orientation is a basic emergent feature of evolutionary adaptation of systems to environments characterized by particular physical conditions, sparse resources, variety, variability, change, and other systems. The need for balanced satisfaction of essential system values, i.e. basic orientors (existence, effectiveness, freedom of action, security, adaptability, coexistence) emerges in response to these environmental challenges. This process of emerging value orientation can also be demonstrated in computer experiments with artificial organisms (animats) using genetic algorithms to study knowledge growth and organization. Basic orientor emphasis emerges differently among individuals of the animat population, resulting in different lifestyles. Pathological behavior and system failure result if there is insufficient attention to any of the basic orientors. The basic orientor approach allows comprehensive assessments of system fitness and performance, in particular also of the feasibility and viability of future development paths. Goal functions are context-specific and system-specific expressions of basic orientor requirements.