Proflexion: Foundations of a Theory of Orientation for Algorithmically Expanded Possibility Spaces

This paper develops a theory of orientation for situations in which actors have neither complete knowledge of the present nor access to a fully explorable possibility space. Its new key concept is proflexion. Proflexion denotes the exploration of unrealised trajectories and the examination of their feedback effects on present problems, goals and decisions. The title foregrounds proflexion, but the subject is broader, since its function can be determined only within a theory of orientation. The theory distinguishes reflection as the reconstruction of realised trajectories, proflexion as the exploration of unrealised possibilities, and orientation as the overall process in which both are connected with the diagnosis of the present, the problem and goal domains, operational conditions, evaluation and responsibility. It brings the concepts of relevance and adequacy, orientation space and state of orientation, pseudo-possibility space, maturity fallacy, capability breakthrough and system world into a common process architecture. Particular attention is given to algorithmic systems. They can expand, structure and condense the explored possibility space and, in part, the operational possibility space. The same capability can, however, generate coherent pseudo-orientation when references, goal specifications and omissions remain unexamined.