Renormalization Group and Principle G (Choice of Level of Description): Formalization of the Transition Between Levels of Reality

This article systematically compares the renormalization group – a well-known mathematical apparatus in physics that describes how physical theory changes with changes in scale – with the G-principle – a formalization of the choice of level of description (coarse-graining) that exists in physics but has not yet received explicit status as an independent factor in the determination of entropy and other quantities. It is shown that the renormalization group is a special case of the G-principle for physical systems and transitions between scales. The G-principle generalizes the renormalization group to all forms of matter (F1–F7), all ontological levels (objects, subjects, information), and all types of transitions (physical, biological, civilizational, ontological). The formal relationship is presented: the projection operator P(G) and the renormalization equation are considered as special cases of a more general principle. Examples are shown of how the G-principle works for transitions F1→F2 (physics → biology), F2→F3 (biology → civilization), and F3→F4 (civilization → control of laws). The boundaries of applicability are discussed – where the renormalization group works, and where the G-principle is required. The G-principle solves a problem that remains unresolved within coarse-graining: the choice of level of description becomes an explicit parameter, and entropy becomes a function of this choice: S = f(Ω, G). A program for testing the G-principle is proposed through measurable markers with numerical thresholds: I_PA > 3σ and K_G > 0.7 for objects; I_ARD > 0.5 and η_info > 0.3 for subjects. The G-principle is positioned as a methodological principle applicable to all forms of knowledge and all types of systems. Keywords: renormalization group, G-principle, level of description, coarse-graining, projection, transition between levels, 7FM, ontology.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-08-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22141139
Primary Topic
Fusion and Plasma Physics Studies
Type
preprint
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
preprint

Renormalization Group and Principle G (Choice of Level of Description): Formalization of the Transition Between Levels of Reality

Alexander Yourievitch Kotelnikov
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Fusion and Plasma Physics Studies
preprint

Renormalization Group and Principle G (Choice of Level of Description): Formalization of the Transition Between Levels of Reality

Alexander Yourievitch Kotelnikov
preprint en

Abstract

This article systematically compares the renormalization group – a well-known mathematical apparatus in physics that describes how physical theory changes with changes in scale – with the G-principle – a formalization of the choice of level of description (coarse-graining) that exists in physics but has not yet received explicit status as an independent factor in the determination of entropy and other quantities. It is shown that the renormalization group is a special case of the G-principle for physical systems and transitions between scales. The G-principle generalizes the renormalization group to all forms of matter (F1–F7), all ontological levels (objects, subjects, information), and all types of transitions (physical, biological, civilizational, ontological). The formal relationship is presented: the projection operator P(G) and the renormalization equation are considered as special cases of a more general principle. Examples are shown of how the G-principle works for transitions F1→F2 (physics → biology), F2→F3 (biology → civilization), and F3→F4 (civilization → control of laws). The boundaries of applicability are discussed – where the renormalization group works, and where the G-principle is required. The G-principle solves a problem that remains unresolved within coarse-graining: the choice of level of description becomes an explicit parameter, and entropy becomes a function of this choice: S = f(Ω, G). A program for testing the G-principle is proposed through measurable markers with numerical thresholds: I_PA > 3σ and K_G > 0.7 for objects; I_ARD > 0.5 and η_info > 0.3 for subjects. The G-principle is positioned as a methodological principle applicable to all forms of knowledge and all types of systems. Keywords: renormalization group, G-principle, level of description, coarse-graining, projection, transition between levels, 7FM, ontology.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Fusion and Plasma Physics Studies
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Renormalization Group and Principle G (Choice of Level of Description): Formalization of the Transition Between Levels of Reality — Alexander Yourievitch Kotelnikov · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS