Unity

that which is distinguishable from a background, the sole condition necessary for existence in a given domain. The nature of a unity and the domain in which the unity exists are specified by the process of its distinction and determination; this is so regardless of whether this process is conceptual or physical. (Maturana and Varela, 1979)

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Something distinguished against its background by an observer who considers it a whole entity. Something describable as whole without the need to describe it in interaction with its environment (see independence, figure-ground ). (Krippendorff )