Institute for ParadigmShifts

About Institute for ParadigmShifts

An independent research institute dedicated to advancing symmetry-driven theories of complexity across physical, chemical, biological, and sociopolitical phenomena. Mission Statement The Institute for ParadigmShifts is dedicated to advancing fundamental research by fostering novel and rigorous inquiry into the underlying symmetries and couplings that govern complex systems—such as active matter systems, homochiral biological systems, sociopolitical systems, and planetary systems—and phenomena including quantum gravitation, pandemics, sociopolitical phase transitions, biological evolution and die-off, and military conflicts. We seek to transform our understanding of complex systems and phenomena by nurturing independent and bold thinkers—regardless of pedigree—whose ideas challenge dominant paradigms and offer transformative insights into the structure of nature, life, and society. Our research begins with a conjectured deep symmetry between the Earth’s lithospheric magnetic field and active matter fields—as the ontological and mathematical foundation for understanding complexity. In the spirit of Hermann Weyl’s assertion that symmetry is the ‘idea by which nature approximates perfection,’ we place symmetry at the heart of our theoretical orientation. In plain terms, we model regions of Earth’s lithosphere as a vibrating drumhead, and humans or other living things as grains of sand on the vibrating drumhead. Symmetry—and in some cases physical coupling—exists between the structure and behavior of the many grains of sand and the vibrating drumhead. This symmetry can be exploited to study the collective dynamics of the many grains of sand (i.e., human populations) on the drumhead (i.e., geographic region). Echoing Philip Anderson’s insight that ‘more is different,’ we emphasize that symmetry-informed collective dynamics provide explanatory power that transcends micro-level modeling.

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