Theories of self-organization

Self-organization refers to the process where a system spontaneously develops order from chaos without external direction. This can be seen in nature, like how flocks of birds move together or how sand dunes form geometric patterns. In social contexts, self-organization occurs in groups when individuals interact, leading to coordinated behavior without a central authority. Theories of self-organization explore how simple rules or interactions generate complex structures or behaviors, highlighting the ability of systems—whether physical, biological, or social—to adapt and evolve organically through internal dynamics rather than imposed control.