Synergy and synergetics: Orthodox category and contemporary science

Initial conceptualization of the synergy idea came from the Orthodox theological thought, in the scientific speech it is associated with synergetics, however in the synergistic literature we do not find the direct concept of synergy. It can be assumed that synergy as a process and phenomenon is presented in synergistic studies implicitly. The Philosophical Dictionary defines synergy as the interaction of different potencies or energies in the whole action. Therefore, such words as consistency, potency and energy are basic definitions of synergy concept. Also the meaning of synergetics is determined as co-action. It appears that the interacting process of energies (divine energy and human energy) or mutual orientation of energies to realize the potency is a factor bringing together synergy and synergetics. Aristotle reviews the concept of energy as a part of an ordered complex: ability - energy - entelechy. Entelechy associates with entity in the triad of Aristotle. Energy approaches to entelechy, it is understood as the beginning of realizing the essence, as a completed element of the implementation and identifying a particular entity. Also anthropology of synergy reviews other placement of energy when it is presented as an effort to actualizing some potentiality. The very process of actualization is not connected with any purpose. The process is not necessarily characterized by entelechy, which may be absent or infinitely distant. It is stated how synergies is understood in the hesychasm tradition. According to the Hesychast teaching, human energy is directed to God and is realized in a free will to connect with Him for complicity in the redemptive works of God. Entelechy as a process of completing the connection between person and God is infinity and represents occurrence in the eschatological order. In order to set free the energy the ascetic has to unlock bound energy, open a closed space inside of human energetic. The openness of the system is one of the key concept of synergetics. Synergy can be achieved or not achieved, any predestination in it is impossible. The choice in favour of the acquisition of grace is a free ascetic impulse, in this case, the process of achieving synergy is always open. Implementation of the synergy concept and getting of sum or synergetic effect is possible only in the open, non-linear self-organizing systems that have been studied in synergetics. Synergy and synergetics are two related concepts, but not identical. The theological category of synergy became the ancestor of the conceptual mechanism for a number of concepts used in modern science, such as a synergistic approach, synergetic research method, etc.

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