1. The operator hierarchy
explanation of three dimensions for hierarchy
Gerard Jagers op Akkerhuis

2. The well-known “general system hierarchy” is linear
Organelles
Organs
Tissues
Organ systems
Complex molecules
Population
Biosphere
Ecosystem
Community
Molecules
Atoms
Cells
Organisms
Fundamental particles
Biosphere
Ecosystem
The well-known “general system hierarchy” is linear
Community ?
Contributing to
Population
(Organisms)
Multicellulars
But its logic is not strict all the way up
Organ systems
Organs
Three rankings of complexity are mixed
Tissues
Cells with nucleus
Cells
1. internal differentiation
Organelles
2. Interactions (abstract “levels”)
Complex molecules
Part of
3. Particles and organisms of different complexity levels
Molecules
Atoms
Fundamental particles

3. Can things be organized more naturally?
The environment offers pressures and scaffolds
Can things be organized more naturally?
Or, … the operator can create the next operator….
Dimension 3:
interaction
systems
Sometimes, interactions create the first-next possible, new type of closure.
Example: multicellularity
The operator can create systems of interacting operators
How?
next closure
Dimension 1:
operators
(particles/organisms)
This can be repeated..
next operator
The operator can gain complexity in its interior
Sometimes, internal differentiation creates the first-next possible, new type of closure.
Example: endosymbiont cells
And so forth…
Deliberate application of the three types of complexity ranking (= dimensions for hierarchy)
Dimension 2:
internal
differentiation
The operator itself offers the context

4. The operator hierarchy
a chain of closures linking matter, life and artificial intelligence
a periodical system for evolution
Gerard Jagers op Akkerhuis