A General Overview and Outline of the Lewis Works Framework

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.

General Systems Essays, Vol. I