2026/03/06 by Bernd von Mallinckrodt · 1 voice
paper · doi:10.5281/zenodo.18887213
openalex publication_date 2026/03/06 · openalex created_date 2026/03/07 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15
This paper introduces the Structural Over-Order hypothesis, also referred to as the Mallinckrodt Axiom, which proposes that complex adaptive systems may fail not only because of disorder or insufficient control, but also due to excessive structural optimization. While classical systems theory often associates instability with chaos or a lack of regulation, the present framework suggests that extreme efficiency and structural compression can suppress internal variance and environmental resonance, thereby reducing adaptive capacity. To conceptualize this dynamic, the paper introduces the Ontology of Oscillation and the Compression–Resonance–Tension Index (CRTI) as heuristic tools for diagnosing systemic fragility. The framework is positioned within the broader landscape of systems science by connecting key traditions in cybernetics, resilience theory, fragility research, and organizational governance. A conceptual map illustrates how the proposed theory relates to established ideas including Ashby’s Law of Requisite Variety, Holling’s ecological resilience, Beer’s Viable System Model, and Taleb’s fragility framework. The central hypothesis suggests that structural over-optimization may produce brittle architectures in highly optimized socio-technical systems such as supply chains, algorithmic governance structures, and tightly coupled organizational networks. The paper proposes a diagnostic perspective for understanding systemic fragility and invites empirical investigation of structural compression, resonance loss, and adaptive capacity in complex systems. Keywords (20) Structural Over-Order Mallinckrodt Axiom Complex Systems Systems Theory Complex Adaptive Systems Cybernetics Resilience Theory Systemic Fragility Antifragility CRTI Compression Resonance Tension Index Structural Compression Environmental Resonance Organizational Resilience Adaptive Capacity Socio-technical Systems Systems Governance Optimization Limits Feedback Dynamics Singularization