Complexity and System Viability

This paper examines complexity as one of the important characteristics of system viability within the framework of Vitology as an interdisciplinary research program centered on the concept of viability. Complexity is understood as the degree of structural and functional organization arising from the increasing diversity of system components and the interactions established among them. Unlike approaches that interpret complexity primarily as the accumulation of interconnected elements or nonlinear dynamics, Vitology considers complexity meaningful only insofar as it contributes to preserving and increasing system viability. The paper analyzes the relationship between complexity and existing scientific approaches, including systems theory, complexity science, synergetics, resilience studies, and complex adaptive systems research. Particular attention is devoted to the role of harmony, coordination, feedback, self-regulation, regeneration, adaptation, and emergent properties in transforming increasing complexity into increasing system viability. Keywords Vitology, complexity, system viability, harmony, coordination, emergent properties, feedback, self-regulation, regeneration, adaptation, development, systems theory, complexity science, synergetics, resilience, complex adaptive systems.