Role of Symmetry in an Asymmetric System

Abstract

Abstract:The aim of the study is to present features of a complex system and find the relations making the symmetry gain its sense in asymmetric wold. The study prepared in the form of a mental experiment shows that a system can exist in two states and two orientations and the mechanisms described in the study transform the system. The mechanisms causing the transformations are also presented as well as the role of symmetry which leads to the system's asymmetry.Keywords: Symmetry, asymmetry in systems, complex systems, interdisciplinary study The study's objective is to present the complex system features and find the relations which make the symmetry gain its sense in asymmetric world. The study contains a description of a mental experiment inspired by Richard Dawkins' thought taken from the preface to the second edition of his book The Selfish Gene. With this experiment is used to show that a system can exist in two states and two orientations and the mechanisms described in the experiment transform the system. The mechanisms causing the transformations are also presented as well as the role of symmetry which leads to the system's asymmetry. The "Necker cube" metaphor is used here, which was also written about in the preface to Richard Dawkins' book.