a biological outlook which asserts that the only factors operating in the organization of living systems are physical factors, and that no non-material vital organizing force is necessary. (Maturana and Varela, 1979)
Derives from the use of the machine
metaphor in sciences concerned with man and denotes any
structure or configuration of attitudes, social positions, cultural patterns,
functions, interactions, etc. that facilitates or brings about a product or an end regardless of whether it is consciously implemented, has naturally evolved or is perceived by its participants. (
Krippendorff )
