Operationalizing State and Action in Vitology: Aw–Con–CON as Multilevel Coordinates of Viability

Abstract

This article proposes an operationalization of State, Action, and the Aw–Con–CON coordinates within the developing metrology of viability. It investigates whether a common structure of measurement can be applied across systems of different natures and organizational levels — from physical and chemical processes to organisms, ecosystems, technical systems, organizations, societies, and civilizational systems. The proposed universality does not imply a single physical quantity, a universal numerical scale, or identical mechanisms across different classes of systems. What is proposed for cross-class comparison is the structure of the relation: system ↔ environment ↔ flows of energy / matter / information ↔ constraints ↔ state ↔ systemic response / action ↔ change in viability. State is operationalized as a set of measurable characteristics of a system relative to an established viability region. Action is defined as an observable change or interaction capable of altering the subsequent state of the system or of systems connected to it. Aw is proposed as a coordinate of detectable sensitivity to changing conditions; Con as a coordinate of functional coordination among components and processes; and CON as a coordinate describing the direction of the resulting change relative to the preservation, recovery, or development of viability. For non-cognitive systems, these coordinates do not imply consciousness, intention, or subjective meaning. A multilevel extension is additionally introduced because an increase in the viability of a component does not necessarily imply an increase in the viability of the whole. The working concept of Cross-Level Viability Alignment (CLVA) is proposed. G26 formulates conditions for testing and falsification of the model and prepares the transition toward subsequent investigation of societies and civilization as interconnected systems at higher organizational levels. Keywords: Vitology, viability, operationalization, State, Action, Aw–Con–CON, viability metrology, multilevel viability, society, civilization, cross-level alignment, CLVA.