On the Self-Organizing Origins of Agency

Abstract

The question of agency and directedness in living systems has puzzled philosophers and scientists for centuries. What principles and mechanisms underlie the emergence of agency? Analysis and dynamical modeling of experiments on human infants suggest that the birth of agency is due to a eureka-like, pattern forming phase transition in which the infant suddenly realizes it can make things happen in the world. The main mechanism involves positive feedback: when the baby’s initially spontaneous movements cause the world to change, their perceived consequences have a sudden and sustained amplifying effect on the baby’s further actions. The baby discovers itself as a causal agent. Some implications of this theory are discussed.

On Language Learner Agency: A Complex Dynamic Systems Theory Perspective

“…“The question of agency and directedness in living systems has puzzled philosophers and scientists for centuries. What principles and mechanisms underlie the emergence of agency?” complexity theorist Kelso (, p. 490) asks. In keeping with CDST, his answer lies in his concept of coordination dynamics (Larsen–Freeman, ).…”

“…In keeping with CDST, his answer lies in his concept of coordination dynamics (Larsen–Freeman, ). Agency arises when spontaneous activity is coupled to the world, forming a coordinative structure (Kelso, , pp. 491–492).…”

“…491–492). Kelso () states:

A strong case can be made that coordinative structures (…) are units of selection in evolution (…) and intentional change (…). The ability of complex systems to softly assemble themselves into functional synergies or coordinative structures in a context‐sensitive fashion offers significant selectional advantages.

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“…Kelso () offers a simple example of an infant's first experience of agency. He posits that agency emerges in humans at a very early age—say when a baby first becomes aware that it can make things happen; for example, by kicking its legs, it can make a mobile move or shaking its fist, a rattle sound.…”

“…The coupled dynamics between the baby's movements (kinesthetic, visual, auditory, and emotional) and the consequences they produce constitute the first experience of agency for the infant. This may appear at first simply to be an example of stimulus–response learning, but Kelso () suggests otherwise. “What may have been missed (…) is the essence of what it means to be aware of oneself as a source of control, of doing something deliberately, and how this comes about” (p. 493).…”