What is a HOLON?
The term HOLON is a combination of the Greek word holos, meaning whole, and the suffix on
(e.g. proton) meaning particle or part. The term was first proposed in 1967 by Hungarian author
and philosopher Arthur Koestler in his novel The Ghost in the Machine to describe a basic unit
of organization in social and biological systems. In the simplest form, a holon is something
that exists simultaneously as itself (a self reliant part), and as part of a larger system
(a more complex whole).
Holons tend to be:
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- self reliant with a degree of independence
- stable
- self emergent
- self transcendent
- operate in a organized hierarchal manner (holarchy)
- handle problems/circumstances on their particular level w/o assistance from higher level holons
- subordinate to and receive instruction from higher level holons
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Holonic organizations:
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- enable construction of very complex systems
- gain strength via efficient use of resources
- are highly resilient to disturbances and highly survivable
- very adaptable within their operating environment
- operate effectively as a whole, made up of various holons
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To Learn More
 http://hms.ifw.uni-hannover.de/public/Concepts/concepts.htm
http://www.mech.kuleuven.be/goa/hms-int/history.html
http://www.mech.kuleuven.be/goa/hms-int/parable.html
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