the actual relations which hold between the components which integrate a concrete
machine in a given space. (Maturana and Varela, 1979)
There are at least three near synonymous definitions. (1) The complex of concurrent
relations among a set of objects with the number of objects more numerous than the
ordinality of the relations connecting them, e.g. a
graph, a
network . (2) A multitude of coocurrances or values, n-tuples, that deviate from
chance in some but not all respects. Here structure is manifest in the
probability distribution that a
system with a structure as defined in (1) is capable of generating. (3) A pattern that connects the components of a
machine or organism, e.g., the command structure of a military unit
see (3), the distribution of obligations and responsibilities in a formal organization
see (2), the wiring in a piece of electronic equipment
see (1). The components which are connected within a
concrete system, machine, organism or society, enter the description of that system's structure but not that system's
organization. (
Krippendorff )
