The nature and function of ideas and ideologies in human and non-human systems

With a view to understanding the root of what is today a confused, contradictory and limiting body of theory this thesis describes, analyses and advances the concept of ‘ideology’. The purpose of this thesis is to make sense out of that messy theory, understand the origin of its muddled definitions and ineffective formulations, and offer a new foundation from which a sound working alternative may be developed. This transdiciplinary thesis brings the sciences, philosophy and the history of ideas together. The aim here is to present a new theoretical model upon which a more comprehensive theory can be developed. This thesis has two distinct parts. Part One addresses the historical emergence of ‘ideology’ as a ‘science of ideas’, its ultimate inversion, and redefinition as an anthropocentric and negative rather than neutral concept. It is further suggested that that ‘negative conception of ideology’ gave rise to, influenced and limited the scope of modern theories of ideas and ideology. Moreover Part One uncovers a theoretical gap that is today manifest as characteristics and limitations in theory. Potentially those limitations may deny any researcher working within those areas access to the majority of their field of study. Free from the constraints imposed by traditional theories of ideology, Part Two sets out to develop a sound testable and useful theory of ideas, ideologies and ‘ideotectonics’. Looking at the big picture means understanding the definition of the word ‘idea’ to include non-cognitive ideas. It means thinking of ideas in respect to the concept described by the original Greek as well as in the modern sense. Considering Plato’s Theory of Forms and Destutt de Tracy’s Science of Ideas and the modern view of ideas as ‘human thought’ in respect of modern science enables this thesis to comment upon all ideas not just human ideas. It is further suggested that all ideas, ideologies and ideological apparatuses are expressions and/or functionaries of a single phenomenon here described as ideotectonic. Subsequently, this thesis examines ‘ideas’ important to the evolution of matter, living things, ecological, intellectual and social systems, and explores the ideotectonic processes, ideologies and ideological apparatuses that are associated with them. Ultimately this work represents a substantive departure from existing theory