Maturana and Varela's Autopoiesis Theory

Maturana and Varela's Autopoiesis Theory describes living systems as self-organizing entities that continuously produce and regenerate their own components. An autopoietic system maintains its identity by creating and maintaining the processes necessary for its own existence, such as cells in a living organism. This theory emphasizes that life is not just about responding to the environment but involves active participation in maintaining and reproducing itself. Essentially, living beings are defined by their ability to create the very structures that allow them to survive and adapt within their environments.