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<p>Nature is a continuum of living and nonliving systems from the microscale to the macroscale that are interdependent and dynamically interact with each other. Approaching such complexity by identifying its levels of organization and the associated regularities would significantly impact both the scientific and philosophical inquiry. Here, the <i>interface</i> of complex systems, that is the structures and activities that allow the functional interaction between the system and its context, is discussed as a pivotal concept for understanding the levels of organization in life sciences. Interfaces are ontological identifiable entities that have unique properties as they (1) are a privileged level of control over complex systems, (2) provide a level of analysis with high regularity and predictability, and (3) represent a boundary between types of causal relationships occurring within and outside a system. This theoretical framework entails not only theorical but also applied implications that, on the one hand, may promote the comprehension of the brain-mind interplay and, on the other, may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies for mental disorders. While the discussion on the interface is here primarily focused on the neuroscience and psychiatric fields, this conceptual tool is expected to be applicable to complex systems across disciplines, from biology to economics.</p>

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The Interface as a Privileged Level of Organization in Life Sciences: Implications for Control and Causation in Complex Systems

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月10日

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  • Igor Branchi

摘要

Nature is a continuum of living and nonliving systems from the microscale to the macroscale that are interdependent and dynamically interact with each other. Approaching such complexity by identifying its levels of organization and the associated regularities would significantly impact both the scientific and philosophical inquiry. Here, the interface of complex systems, that is the structures and activities that allow the functional interaction between the system and its context, is discussed as a pivotal concept for understanding the levels of organization in life sciences. Interfaces are ontological identifiable entities that have unique properties as they (1) are a privileged level of control over complex systems, (2) provide a level of analysis with high regularity and predictability, and (3) represent a boundary between types of causal relationships occurring within and outside a system. This theoretical framework entails not only theorical but also applied implications that, on the one hand, may promote the comprehension of the brain-mind interplay and, on the other, may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies for mental disorders. While the discussion on the interface is here primarily focused on the neuroscience and psychiatric fields, this conceptual tool is expected to be applicable to complex systems across disciplines, from biology to economics.