Holons
A holon (from the Greek holos = whole and on = entity) is something that is simultaneously a whole and a part. The term was coined by Arthur Koestler.
A holon refers to a system (or phenomenon) that is a whole in itself, as well as a part of a larger system. It can be seen as systems nestled within each other. Every system can be considered a holon, from a subatomic particle to the universe as a whole.
Since a holon is embedded in larger wholes, it is influenced by an influences these larger wholes. And since a holon also contains subsystems (parts), it is similarly influenced by and influences these parts. Information flows bidirectionally between smaller and larger systems.
An example of a holon is the human being nestled in larger systems and containing smaller systems: subatomic particles/energy fields - atoms - molecules - tissue - organs - body/mind - family - bioregion - earth - solar system - milky way - universe...
This hierarchy of holons is called a holarchy.
See also:
