Journal of Theoretical & Computational Science
Open Access

Abstract

Information Forces

Bruce J West

Social organization and cognitive function are both driven by dynamic interactions within and between complex networks of particular importance is the manner in which information is shuttled back and forth between such nonphysical networks and whether there exist a general principle that guides the flow of information, in the same way that energy flow determines forces in physical networks. Such a principle has been identified and is discussed herein. One consequence of the existence of this principle is a new kind of force; a force based on the relative complexity of the interacting networks. This information force reduces to the entropic force in physical networks. On a social stage Karl Marx talked about class conflict as the driver of social evolution, whereas in economics Adam Smith invoked an invisible hand to visualize the unintended social benefit resulting from individual actions of selfinterest and Freud argued that instinct is the primary driver of human behavior. At both the level of the individual and the collective, these exemplify what could be included under the general heading of information forces; non-physical forces resulting from gradients in the complexity of the phenomenon being studied.