From Self-Organizing Systems to Pattern Formation Systems

Abstract

In this chapter and the following chapter fundamental concepts of the theory of pattern formation and synergetics will be introduced. The goal of this chapter is to clarify the notion of self-organizing systems and pattern formation systems. It will be shown that while it is difficult to arrive at a clear definition of self-organizing systems, pattern formation systems can be defined in a precise way. With the definition of pattern formation systems at hand, this chapter provides a basis for understanding humans and animals from a pattern formation perspective.