# Holarchy

### Holarchy

> [David Spangler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Spangler): "In a [hierarchy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierarchy), **participants can be compared and evaluated on the basis of position, rank, relative power, seniority, and the like. But in a holarchy each person’s value** comes from his or her i**ndividuality and uniqueness and the capacity to engage and interact with others to make the fruits of that uniqueness available**."[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holarchy#cite_note-2) [ Wikipedia ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holarchy)

### Holon

{% embed url="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holon_(philosophy)" %}

[Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holon_\(philosophy\)) - relevant content below:

> Koestler was influenced by two observations in proposing the notion of the holon. The first observation was influenced by [Herbert A. Simon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_A._Simon)'s [parable](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable) of the two watchmakers—in which Simon concludes that **complex systems evolve from simple systems much more rapidly when there are stable intermediate forms present in the evolutionary process than if they are not present.**[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holon_\(philosophy\)#cite_note-2)
>
> The second observation was made by Koestler himself in his **analysis of hierarchies and stable intermediate forms in non-living matter (atomic and molecular structure), living organisms, and social organizations.** He concluded that, although it is easy to identify sub-wholes or parts, wholes and parts in an absolute sense do not exist anywhere. Koestler proposed the word **holon to describe the hybrid nature of sub-wholes and parts within in vivo systems.** From this perspective, holons exist simultaneously as self-contained wholes in relation to their sub-ordinate parts, and as dependent parts when considered from the inverse direction.
>
> Koestler also says that holons **are self-reliant units that possess a degree of independence and can handle contingencies without asking higher authorities for instructions. I.e. they have a degree of autonomy.** These holons **are also simultaneously subject to control from one or more of these higher authorities.** The first property **ensures** that **holons are stable forms that are able to withstand disturbances,** while the latter property signifies that **they are intermediate forms, providing a context for the proper functionality for the larger whole.**
>
> Finally, Koestler defines a [holarchy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holarchy) as a **hierarchy of self-regulating holons that function first as autonomous wholes in supra-ordination to their parts, secondly as dependent parts in sub-ordination to controls on higher levels, and thirdly in coordination with their local environment.**
