Lewis Works

By Hugh M. Lewis, PhD, MA

Vol. I, No. 1

01/31/04 Copyright 2004 ©, Hugh M. Lewis. Facsimiles of this page or parts of this page may be printed and distributed for non-profit research, consulting and educational purposes only, as governed by fair use policy.

This open, on-line Newsletter is published weekly, every Friday Afternoon at 4:30 PM PST. It is updated with new announcements and articles each week.

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• Lewis Works is dedicated to achieving a better world for all people and for all life-forms through the implementation and articulation of an applied general systems framework to general and specific problem sets that occur in the adaptive organization of human behavior in a shared natural environment.
• Lewis Works is non-exclusive, open, non-authoritarian, philanthropic and pacifist in orientation.
• Lewis Works pursues a combination of both profit and non-profit programs and projects to the achievement of its main goals.
• Lewis Works protects and promotes universal human rights and human responsibilities throughout its various programs and projects by the systematic pursuit of human development strategies.
• Lewis Works is law abiding and honest in all its dealings and transactions in all contexts, and respects and honors the customs and manners of all peoples and all ethnocultural groupings.
• Lewis Works protects and promotes the confidentiality and legitimate interests of its clients and customers under all circumstances and in all cases.

by: Hugh M. Lewis

These are strange and trying times for many people, not just in the United States, but around the world. Traditional symbolic structures, worldviews, and organizational systems are failing to keep pace with the development of the flow and storage of information in an emergent global system. New possibilities for organization and adaptation are emerging with new practical solutions, almost on a daily basis, and yet the entire earth seems in critical disrepair, politically and socially dysfunctional.

The US government, in collusion with big business, at local, regional, state and federal levels, is bankrupt not just economically, but morally and structurally as well. It has become by and large its own worst enemy, and embedded conflict of interest, corruption, double standards, public unaccountability and administrative authoritarianism has increased, even to the point of systematically obfuscating and undermining fundamental constitutional principles. Political equality has been jeopardized by affirmative action policies that have created racial and ethno-political quota systems and have permitted a communal based political orientation to be legitimized and to compete with a contract-based style of government "of the people, for the people and by the people." And an administrative culture of denial has developed that systematically sets itself beyond the possibility of true reform. 

Class polarization has increased dramatically, and social institutions, always under pressure for lack of resources, are inundated by masses of poor people. In short, there are more rich people, and more poorer people, than American society has ever known in its entire history as a nation, and upward mobility between the classes, the traditional motor of the middle class, has been effectively undercut and bottlenecked to almost nothing. The United States has a medical system, and an educational system, and a range of other social service systems, that are not only ailing but failing miserably to meet the growing human needs. "Deregulation" of governmental controls and restrictions over industry and business, as well as over traditionally governmental areas of involvement, can be re-read as a general abnegation of responsibility by the government for the role it is supposed to play in protecting and promoting the public interests of the common people.

We may summarize that the United States has set itself on the brink of becoming an underdeveloped "Third World" society, not for want of development, but as a consequence of its over development in the wrong directions and its failure to protect itself or its people from its own contradictions. Its central problems are:

1. Over population as a consequence of unmitigated and uncontrolled immigration, and with the consequence of increasing degradative socio-environmental circumscription.

2. Pervasive, multi-level Administrative Authoritarianism & Corruption.

3. Embedded Conflict of Interest between Government & Big Business, and the reneging of responsibility of the government to protect and promote the interests of the American people.

It is an expectable outcome that, under the guise of the threat of terrorism, basic freedoms that Americans have traditionally enjoyed will be increasingly curtailed and circumscribed. In short, the domestic problems that the US is currently experiencing are increasingly isomorphic with the problems of global stratification that the entire world has been undergoing and, as a colleague used to tell me, the American economic empire, the capitalist world system, has come back home.

Denis Gabor, the Nobel prize winning scientist for his invention of holography, wrote early on about the discrepancy and lag between progress in scientific inventions and social innovations. In spite of the work of many social scientists, myself included, social institutions around the world remain largely intransigent and resistant to serious developmental efforts and positive reforms promoting democracy and the more even and open flow of resources between more people.

I would like to suggest that the information revolution has been upon our heels for some time now, really beginning with World War II, and it has resulted in a fundamental transformation in our knowledge, our way of understanding and relating to the world, and hence in how we accomplish our basic human goals. Underlying all the issues stated above are the dynamic consequences of our failure to come to terms in a meaningful and adaptive manner with the transformational changes caused by the Information revolution. It therefore behooves us to go back to the basics of how we look at and think about the world, and to develop new habits and ways of doing things in the world to advance what in the final analysis amount to our common human interests, needs and goals.

While it is arguable how much and what way the "noetic transformation" of a digital based electronic literacy has occurred, to borrow the concept from the orality/literacy debate by Jack Good, Marshal McLuhan, and Walter Ong et. al., it is nevertheless clear that in terms of information storage and information transmission, we have not only gone from traditional print to digital technologies, but we have created what I would call a holothetic network system (distributed integration) in which virtually any information can be instantaneously accessed from any remote location at any time, limited only by the channel capacity of the carrier and the storage capacity of the server/client devices. And these capacities are exponentially increasing with each passing year, while, at the same time, the networking capabilities of the entire "meta-system" are growing more complexly integrated and convoluted with each passing day.

This "meta-system" is largely self-organizing in the sense that up to this point, no single, centralized entity or agency controls or is capable of monitoring the entire system, though systematic attempts are made, especially by some totalitarian, and even some democratic governments, to implement as much timely over-control as possible. 

We may speak of the digital transformation not only of the organization and topography of the knowledge landscape, but the instantaneous creation of what is termed the "common stock of knowledge"--the principle knowledge resource that any society and ethnocultural grouping has for achieving productive and reproductive adaptation and success in the world, and for secondary symbolic integration of worldview. 

We can say furthermore that knowledge itself is being transformed by becoming virtual in its digitized, textual form, and by its acquiring a new topography on the worldwide web. This transformation is similar to the change from the Dionysian to the Apollonian, from oral based to literate societies, accompanied by the emergence of alphabetic scripts and text-based religions, administrative bureaucracies in state organized societies, and by the advent of scientific knowledge and technology in the development of applied systems. But the contemporary revolution is not just a continuation of this traditional shift, but an entirely new revolution of collective consciousness that is now occurring with much greater consequences for our world than anything previously possible.

Many traditional knowledge boundaries and conceptual categories, formulated first in a classical era, and defined largely within Academically circumscribed departments, no longer apply in a strict way, and new cross-disciplinary interests, applications and programs are emerging to fill in the growing gaps. Newly emergent fields of interest and contemporary problem sets tend to crosscut these formal knowledge boundaries, demanding new kinds of approaches and broader-based training in a number of areas of expertise.

We may say that knowledge itself is taking a new form, and this is not just digital as a text, but electronic, and perhaps more importantly, virtual in form, and hence the knowledge landscape is achieving a new kind of landscape represented largely by the worldwide web and all the websites and information contained within this vast and growing global network.

We are looking at a fundamental paradigm shift of global worldview, away from a classical Platonic/Aristotelian view of the world, and of our place and role within it, toward a new way of seeing and relating to the world that is based upon the possibilities created by the information and resulting knowledge revolutions. If institutions have been slow to keep pace with these significant transformations, and remain mired in the mud of a routine-operational, business as usual past, this is only because they are generally controlled by people who collectively lack imagination to see constructive, long-term change or the initiative to make change happen when it comes. They are stuck in an old symbolic framework, and old worldview, that is becoming increasingly anachronistic and maladaptive.

What does General Systems Theory have to do with this process? In no uncertain terms I can say that General Systems Theory and the applied methodologies arising from it are the new paradigm, the new set of symbolic terms and relations, that is necessary for humankind to deal with and adapt to the revolutionary transformations that are afoot in the world. No other paradigm is suitable or sufficient to meet these kinds of needs and to mediate a new set of adaptive relationships with the world.

But General Systems Theory is not just about computing and computer networking. It is about human knowledge and social organization and behavioral interaction. It is about natural systems and our scientific knowledge of these systems; it is about philosophy and mathematics and the quest for truth and greater understanding of the world. It is about problem solving and planning and the strategies we take to achieving success in the world, whether this is in business, government, science, education, religion, the arts or any other field of endeavor.

In this general consideration we may apply the following points:

1. All natural phenomena, of which humanly created phenomena are a subset, are patterned and partially determined phenomena by rules that may be said to be implicit to the recursive and dynamic structure of the pattern.

2. All natural phenomena are stratified upon numerous levels that are analytically and synthetically describable in terms of part-whole processes and in terms of emergent properties associated with the dynamic patterning of entire systems at each level.

3. All natural phenomena are interrelated at these numerous levels, and articulate within a larger meta-systemic framework that encompasses every other possible system, and the patterning of these interrelationships may be said to be inherently or intrinsically complex.

In conclusion to this brief essay, we can suggest that there is inevitably occurring a general convergence of modern systems towards the resolution of central problem sets. Solutions to these complex kinds of problems will be always and only partial and incomplete, but we can see the disappearing skyline of the future as the direct consequence of the streamlining and the developmental optimization of modern systems towards common solution sets. This is especially so if we are to achieve a more reasonable, collective adaptation to the future global landscape. But we can also emphatically state that there is nothing inevitable about this process, especially if the drag of our obsolete modes of thinking and behaving in the world is too great and prevents this kind of integration from proceeding when and where it could in a timely fashion. 

One final point about natural systems of all kinds, including human systems: their developmental trajectories always have a beginning, a middle and an end and are subject to dynamic influences of complex changing variables.

by: Hugh M. Lewis

Some reading this article may already be more or less familiar with the Lewis Works framework. It is restated here for the record and to introduce any new readers to it in a general way. Simply put, the Lewis Works framework represents the deliberate attempt to implement an applied general systems framework based upon the perspective and principles stated in the main article above and stated elsewhere online throughout the Lewis Works web-system. General Statements in relation to this have been published at the following links: Natural Systems, Meta-systems, Advanced Systems, as well as in other web-pages within the current system. Future digital documents relating to this general topic will be posted in the near future.

It is felt that a formalized and deliberate attempt may be made to articulate an applied general systems framework in an intelligent and functional manner at numerous levels. This conclusion was arrived at as a consequence of almost two decades of research, academic training, writing and intellectual development that consistently led to a systems based orientation, followed by almost five years of further specific planning, articulation and preparation. The decision to try to put the framework on the ground in a meaningful manner surfaced in my life midway through my sojourn in Central China, and this decision was probably triggered by my adaptation and reaction to our situation in China at the time, as well as to a larger sense of concern with the rest of the world and our place within it.

To highlight some of the theoretical and methodological contributions that have been made during this time in regard to a general systems based framework, I include the following:

• The formulation of a paradigm of gravitational dynamics complementary to the conventional laws of thermodynamics.
• The formulation of a coherent alternative cosmology based upon an open, infinite and dynamic state model of the total universe with a 'cold fusion' origin in keeping with a paradigm of gravitational dynamics.
• The partial formulation of a unified parton-constituent model of the fundamental physical structure of reality within a relatively self-consistent universal field.
• An enlargement of an evolutionary framework of earth-based biological systems to account for  larger ecological and meta-biotic systems relationships determining that the development of organisms tends in the long run towards optimal solution strategies in terms of genetic design structures and adaptive behaviors, and are subject to indirect constraints from larger bio-geophysical frameworks.
• A formulation of a model of the anthropological construction of reality, with the addition of symbolic linguistics, the notion of the anthropological relativity of knowledge, and the understanding of the systematic structure and cognitive structure of human symbolization and symbolically based behavior.
• Development of cross-cultural methodologies of symbolic framing in the analysis of human behavioral response patterning, perception and cognition, and the application of these methodologies to problems sets in educational acquisition and development.

Lately, my attention has turned to the developmental frameworks of applied systems models, as evidenced in the construction and articulation of the Lewis Works framework itself. Of central concern in this regard has been the problem of human development, defined both collectively and individually, and the problem of future human adaptation in relation to multiple natural environments, problems of socio-environmental circumscription, human social organization and structural processes of institutionalization, production and symbolic legitimization.

Though the Lewis Works framework is received typically as a "marginal" approach to contemporary problem sets in the world, it can be said to be completely benign and non-destructive in its relation with other systems that exist in the world. It can be said to exist along-side of rather than in place of other systems, and to seek to only reinforce these other predominant systems in a constructive, more adaptive manner, while as much as possible counter-balancing the negative consequences of these larger systems. If it is received as a "threat" to extant systems because of its symbolic marginality, this is an expected reaction to anything new and unfamiliar that promises significant change.

The concept of the "meta-system," of a system of systems, and as also a comprehensively integrated system, emerged as a result of a set of research proposals made to the NASA Institute of Advanced Concepts a couple of years ago (2002). This notion has since been extended to encompass practically the entire Lewis Works framework, and is used especially to designate a central subdivision within the framework that deals more directly with the research design and developmental implementation of scientific problem sets as stated in the earlier NIAC proposals.

The formulation and definition of the Lewis Works framework is derived from this previous work, and from the outset has been a general thought problem. Of late it has become more of a problem of implementation and the basis for concerted action, especially in social contexts, more than of theoretical formulation and formal design.

Lewis Works is rather stable in form in the upper levels. 

At the top level is the Lewis Works framework as a whole, intentionally comprehensive in design. I have sought from the outset to consistently develop the framework from a holistic perspective as a single integrated system (or rather "meta-system.")

At the second level are the five primary divisions of this framework:

1. Lewis Works itself as a consulting/planning agency and involved in coordination/control functions in relation to the rest of the system.

2. Lewis Web-systems which is a central articulatory structure of the entire framework.

3. Lewis Meta-systems which concerns the articulatory structures in relation to integrated scientific research designs mentioned above.

4. Lewis Meta-culture that involves primarily the development of what can be called trans-cultural constructions and productive apparatus for this kind of production in digital and environmentally externalized ways.

5. Lewis Development Systems, involving the articulatory extension of the Lewis Works framework to specific problem sets in the world.

The second level is currently under development in terms of actually developing the physical facilities for their articulation and demonstration, and in general involves the putting together of what can be called multi-purpose working systems and models that are pertinent in each area.

The third level is currently divided into18 subdivisions, or departments that are considered relatively stable at this time in configuration and that represent the stratified differentiation of subsystems and the partitioning of resources and organization beneath the five main divisions, 3 each under Lewis Works, Lewis Web-systems, Lewis Meta-culture and Lewis Meta-systems, and 6 under Lewis Development Systems. These are more clearly outlined in the system map and are outlined here in an abbreviated form:

1. Lewis Works

• SSYSPI: Strategic Planning & Implementation frameworks
• SSYSCT: Consulting and Troubleshooting Frameworks
• XYSTEMS: Control and Strategic Research Frameworks

2. Lewis Web-systems

• Knowledge-based Systems
• Language based Interface Systems
• Applied integrated/distributed AI Systems

3. Lewis Meta-Systems

• Physical Energy Systems: Namely hydrogen-solar and alternative energy platforms and engineering extensions.
• Biological Systems: Meta-biotic zoning, monitoring and bio-tronic control systems.
• Anthropological (Human) Systems: Systems of symbolic engineering, conflict mediation & behavioral management

4. Lewis Meta-Culture

• Environmentally oriented Aesthetic Systems
• Micropublishing
• Micro-productions

5. Lewis Development Systems

• Business Systems
• Non-profit Systems
• Organizational Systems
• Construction/Engineering Systems
• Extended Production Systems
• Educational Systems

At the fourth level are an uncounted number of distinct articulatory frameworks grouped beneath the 18 departments of the third level, and these are largely represented by their own domains with the Lewis Works web-system, and as well are cross-sectioned by a number of other kinds of functional frameworks and subsystems. These subsystem frameworks tend to be at this time more dynamic and subject to change than the upper levels, and represent the zone of current proximal development in the implementation of the entire system. 

At this time, the entire framework is represented on the Internet by more than 130 primary URLs and many more secondary URLs and portals. Much of the development in the next phase designated as the consolidation phase, will be oriented towards the further development and integration of these web-based domains and the web-system as a whole. The web-system is central to the entire framework for a number of reasons, and is at least a partial if incomplete solution to the primary challenges facing the implementation of the entire framework, namely the lack of a substantial resource base and the physical facilities and social receptivity to its implementation. The web-system simultaneously accomplishes central functional articulation and integration of the many subsystems and facets of the overall framework, and thus contextualizes this framework both in real space and time and in virtual space-time.

The entire framework is intended to pass through various phases and larger stages of its development, dependent upon resolution of basic obstacles and the achievement of a sufficient resource platform at the previous levels.

To briefly summarize, in terms of human knowledge and behavioral patterning, this framework overall is deliberately designed to be comprehensive and to function in a superorganic manner as a single integrated system. There is no known human problem set or area of interest or involvement that cannot be fit within this framework, often in multiple locations simultaneously.

The framework has from the beginning been designed to be corporate as an institution, to be global in scope and yet local in active relevance, to be relatively small and efficient in terms of its required number of employed functionaries for its articulatory implementation. It is also designed to be systematically extended, enlarged and developed in a way that would make its growth pattern stable and predictable in terms of the stages it would pass through as it grew. Under the right conditions, in a receptive and nurturing context, there are no upward limits to its potential growth.

So far the main challenges of setting up this framework and establishing it foundationally and functionally in the world has been the general lack of capital resources for its working articulation, and the general social & psychological resistance received from a diverse range of people to what it represents and what it is. These challenges were anticipated from the beginning of the planning period in the Spring of 1999, and account for why this planning period was so long and extended a time. Even now these obstacles remain the crucial stumbling blocks to its timely implementation, but conditions are slowly reversing in our favor as our sense of received credibility and legitimacy, and our capital resource platform, continue to accumulate.

In the last few weeks we have added a number of new web-portals and sites to our system, though many of these are yet to be completely consolidated into the system.

The system as it exists currently is growing dynamically and is unstable therefore in its detail configuration.

We went E-commerce on November 1st, 2003.

On February 1st, 2004, we are entering a second period of consolidation. This period should be marked by considerable structural and content development of our web-system, by network development and by further script-based integration of the system. 

During the month of February, we expect to go on-line with several store fronts.

During this same month we hope to go on-line with the following networking frameworks:

• An affiliate program 

• An open membership program

• A home-based business partnership program

• A strategic e-business partnership program

We will be launching a concerted advertising campaign in March, and this campaign should run until the end of the consolidation period on the first of June, 2004.

We expect to become officially incorporated in June of 2004.

We act both as a reseller for other providers, and we also are increasing the product range that we actually own or buy ourselves wholesale and then resell. We also provide a range of peripheral options through associate/affiliate accounts.

We will soon be adding a comprehensive product service catalog link here.

At this time most of our services and products are web-based Networking & Telecommunication services:

Hosting: We offer free, standard and premium quality services.

Domain Registration: Bulk and Do-It-Yourself or Tucows Open-SRS (coming soon)

Website Design & Construction: Updateable Websites (coming soon)

Web-system Development & Management: Coming Soon!

Advertising Services: Coming Soon! At this time, submission of Banners & Links are free!

Submission & Consolidation Services: Coming Soon!

ISP Connection Services: Coming Soon!

Telecommunications Services: Coming Soon!

E-Marketing Services: Coming Very Soon!

Network Development Services: Coming Soon!

We will be offering an increasing array of type of service and product we can make available to our clientele within the consolidation period. This services will include:

• Systems-based Consulting & Troubleshooting
• Systems-based Meta-scientific research & development services
• Systems-based Digital Publication and Production Services
• Systems-based Development Services in a range of areas, including Non-profit, Consolidated Business Services, Education & Human Development, Organization, Production & Engineering

We also recommend our current Link Palette for related links & portals, though most of these are as yet unfinished.

For external topic-organized links, we recommend Hugh's Hot Links

For popular, top-search links, we recommend Haut Lynx

Query us for advertising on our Advertising Pages that are shown throughout our web-system on more than a eleven hundred distinct URLs.

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