A Chaos Glossary

Chance Process
A process which is in part determined by random procedures. These procedures may be as simple as the use of dice or as complex as the use of a non-periodic, non-repeating chaotic system. A process which has an unknown outcome, but which is part of a known set of possible outcomes.

Chaos
The interaction of random and structured elements within a system. The level and nature of structure within a real-world system.

Chronos (adj.Chronian)
The ability to affect time.

Desynchronization
When an event or structure actively suppresses a similar event within surrounding areas or periods of time.

Fracticality
The repetition or reoccurance of a chaotic structure at various scales within a system.

Leveling Filter
An electronic, perceptual, intellectual, or mathematical structure which removes information that does not conform to a standard or pattern.

Linear System
A dynamic system in which all variables bear a constant relationship to one another. E.g., 2(a+b) = 2a +2b

Non-Deterministic Process
A process which relys on chance procedures to generate outcomes from an unknown set of possible solutions.

Non-Linear System
A dynamic system in which all variables do not bear a constant relationship to one another. Organic systems are typically non-linear. E.g., (a+b)squared = (a)squared+(b)squared+2ab

Quantum Mechanics
The study of non-linear systems. Quantum mechanics describe gross changes in the nature of a system as a function of the holistic interaction of all the elements within that system.

Randomness
Those elements of a system which are impossible to predict.

Sharpening Filter
An electronic, perceptual, intellectual, or mathematical structure which exaggerates or emphasizes differences among bits of information.

Strange Attractor
A set of chaotic events or possibilities with an indefinite, but limited, boundary.

Structure
Those aspects of a system which are predictable.

Synchronization
When an event or structure increases the likelihood of a similar event within surrounding areas or periods of time.

Tertiary Systems
Visual systems with non-rectilinear relationships among their elements.

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copyright 2006, M. Blair Ligon, all rights reserved worldwide.