The term "self-organizing system" is introduced early on in the essay from the mysteriously methodical system of ant colony. It refers to the community that lacks a centralized government, yet manages to create an underlying rule of interaction and regulation. My initial perception of this term is solely derived from the observation of the ant colony. The title "ant queen" comes from our routined assumption of the existence of authority whenever there's a regulated system such as the ant colony. And that is why in our cities and countries are eventually entitled with a form of government. Yet, the term "self-organizing system" seems to contradict the traditional thinking. Later, Johnson proceeds to apply this concept to our own system, the city Manchester. The distinct separation of working class and middle class seems to be author's way of persuading us that the self-organizing system can be applied to both nature and human, thus amplifying the truth and practicality behind the new way of thinking. Yet, for me, this concept is undermined by the example, since the city was notoriously known for the squalor and turmoil as result of the lack of authority. And eventually, real regulations need to be enforced to achieve a somewhat balanced and organized city environment. Does this mean that even in a self-organizing system, a form of authority is still required, to achieve the optimized status of the system? As Johnson expands the idea to the invention of "pandemonium" and later the invention of computer, he uses this concept as an innovative way of thinking. Still, a "master" is placed to grade the performances of demons and manages to improve the system to an operational and self-learning one. In this case, doesn't a form of authority also come into play? Thus, at the end, the self-organizing system doesn't necessarily obliterate all the central power. Instead, some basic rules need to be placed for the most effective operation of any system.
The introduction of the "self-organizing system" proves the potentially powerful intelligence of the group. Each individual interacts and as a group, creates a complicated yet effective regulation. This natural process seems to be the fastest route of solving a problem. This corresponds with Davidson's concept of "crowdsourcing". An individual can never outsmart a group. The collective effort can provide the most well-rounded answer. Both Davidson and Johnson highlight the immense power of a collective effort. While Davidson utilizes the power for a form of education system, Johnson points out the advancement of technology as a result of this power.
Xiaofan gives interesting criticism against Johnson's argument. I remember that last Tuesday someone brought up a point that even in crowdsourcing, some form of authority/guidance is still necessary. Without considering that the two writings would be similar in this way, I didn't make the connection that Johnson's self-organizing system could possibly contradict itself as well.
ReplyDeleteYou raise an interesting point by pointing out the flaw in Johnson's example of the city of Manchester: it is actually known to be disgusting. Why is he proposing a disaster as his example of the effectiveness of self-organization? I guess I see it to be an extreme case to show the roots of self-design in even the messiest of places. I agree with your claim that "a form of authority is still required" for the environment to run smoothly -- laws exist for a reason. I think that any sense of authority that Johnson describes would be in the case of a "leading by example" kind of setting.
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