The value of the "refreezing" distinction is supported by some of the work
at the Santa Fe Institute. Complex adaptive systems are all "compound".
That is, there are many interrelated systems operating at different rates
of change, different levels, etc.
To bring in a little hermeneutics, or interpretive philosohpy, these are
only constructs and individual "systems" can be seen as multi-participants
in various systems. In this way, they may be temporarily stable in one
while simultaneously being unstable in another.
This activity and joint participation is the source of a continuing system
of emergence where there is never a stable state being created and yet
many states are stable for moments - or can be seen that way.
Refreezing of "small chunk" states is a valuable capacity in the larger
emergent outcomes. (Change and stability are not opposites but mutually
generative conditions or points of view.)
Refreezing, suggests the possibility of intentional activity and, on the
scale above need not be feared to become "frozen" beyond usefulness. The
interactions of other unfrozen elements will ensure that it be temporary.
--
Michael McMaster : Michael@kbddean.demon.co.uk
book cafe site : http://www.vision-nest.com/BTBookCafe
Intelligence is the underlying organisational principle
of the universe. Heraclitus
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations
For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>