A holon is a system that contains other systems, and is itself contained within a larger system. For example, you are a holon, because your body contains a number of systems (nervous system, digestion system, brain, etc) but you are part of a larger system (a family), which is also part of a larger system (a settlement) ... and so on. This useful concept was originated by Arthur Koestler, in his 1967 book Ghost in the Machine.
The representation of an entity as a two-way window through which the environment influences the parts, through which the parts communicate as a unit to the rest of the universe (Greek holos= whole)(Allen and Starr 1982).
system that is itself a part of a larger system. In interepreting holons I have taken a position opposite that of Ken Wilber, who reduces the entire cosmos to nothing but holons, each of which are made up of four quadrants and so on, and other integral theorists who present holons in too generic a sense of any a whole that is itself a part of a larger whole. As indicated in the following diagram, holons are not "atoms", but autonomous systems in the sense of the term used by Erich Jantsch.
an autonomous and co operative building block of a manufacturing system
an entity that lives within a hierarchical structure, and is both a whole and a part at the same time
an entity which can be seen as a whole in itself and, simultaneously, as a part of a larger whole
an entity which functions at once as a whole and as a part, and which manifests properties of independence in the one function and dependence in the other
an organizational entity that is both part (-on) and the whole (hol-)
a system which is whole unto itself, which is an integral part of a greater whole than itself, and which itself is formed by smaller wholes
a whole, but is also a part of
a whole/part, or whole that is a part of other wholes
a whole system made up of smaller parts, while also being part of a larger system
a whole that is also a part of other wholes
a whole that is simultaneously a part , a whole/part
a whole which is part of a larger wholes, and which contains smaller wholes
A whole that can also be part of a larger whole. Holons are organized in multi-levelled nested hierarchies or holarchies. This term, due to Arthur Koestler, is equivalent in meaning to morphic unit (q.v.).
a whole that is also a part. Coined by Arthur Koestler from the Greek 'holos' meaning whole, and 'on' meaning entity, as in proton or neutron; hence a holon is a whole to those parts beneath it in a hierarchy but a part to those wholes above it.
A system that can be viewed at the same time as part of a larger system or as a group of smaller systems. For example, an organization is a holon, because it is made of of smaller systems (e.g. people) but also part of a larger system (e.g. the community where it is based). For more detail, see this History of Holons.
A whole and its parts considered simultaneously.
Holon is a part of the universe which is complete and consistent in itself, but is also a necessary integral part of a greater system which encompasses it. For example, an Atom is a holon. Atoms are complete in themselves. Atoms however can join together to form molecules. Molecules are made of atoms. Molecules encompass atoms. Molecules are more complex than atoms. Molecules can be organised into a basic living cell. Cells are holons which can form a body organ. Body organs can form a complete being...etc
A holon is a whole system composed of functioning parts which in turn is a part of a larger whole system.