Coherence

"Coherence, connectivity and the fitting together of smaller parts into larger structures are the hallmark of complex biologically-based organized systems. As an internal constraint, coherence allows the parts to work together as a whole. As an external constraint, it lets systems evolve and adapt to novel contexts. As a constraint on information processing, it makes new knowledge accessible to the evolving, maturing, learning mind-brain. As a constraint on cultures, it enables social groups to cooperate. And as a constraint on communication, it allows the language and mind of speakers be accessible to hearers. In this inspiring monograph Givón explores the coherence of biological organisms, the structural and functional coherence of the complex human mind-brain, the evolution of complex social organization and cultures, the coherence of language and communication, as well as relevant offshoots of cognition, socio-culture and communication"--

Intro -- Coherence -- Title page -- Editorial page -- Table of contents -- Chapter 1. Introduction -- Chapter 2. Complexity and coherence in biological design:: An evolutionary-developmental account -- 2.1 Systems: Complexity, hierarchy and coherence -- 2.1.1 Networks of matching structures and functions -- 2.1.2 Complexity and hierarchic structure -- 2.1.3 Is pre-biological complex organization the same? -- 2.2 The rise of complex coherence in biological design -- 2.2.1 From parasitic bacteria to symbiotic organelles in the protozoan cell

2.2.2 From protozoa to metazoa: The rise of multi-cellular organisms -- 2.3 Intermezzo: Spatio-temporal experience and the advent of dimensions -- 2.3.1 Preliminaries -- 2.3.2 Experience in a one-dimensional universe of linear time -- 2.3.3 Experience in a universe of time plus one spatial dimension: Early upright organisms -- 2.3.4 Motion and the advent of a three-dimensional universe -- 2.3.5 Purposive motion and the advent of agency -- 2.4 From early multi-cell simplicity to tissues, organs and system complexity -- 2.5 Body design, molecular classification and evolutionary hierarchies

2.6 Final reflections -- 2.6.1 Coherence and context in …