Major integrative levels and the fo‐so series

Abstract

The term ‘integrative levels’ was introduced by Joseph Needham in 1937. He recognized a series of eight levels. Others have since proposed various different and often longer series. Now, by the rigorus application of two ad hoc rules or criteria for the discrimination of ‘major integrative levels’, the number of such major levels (on present knowledge) is found to be nine. Short terms are available for designating the members of the different levels. Having performed the formal classification of objects, according to integrative level, several new quantitative generalizations become apparent. For instance, there is now clear evidence of a general long‐term acceleration throughout most of the period of biological and social evolution.

Citation

Pettersson, M. (1978), "Major integrative levels and the fo‐so series", Aslib Proceedings, Vol. 30 No. 6, pp. 215-237. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb050635