Self-Regulation as a Fundamental Principle of System Viability

This paper examines self-regulation as one of the fundamental principles underlying system viability within the framework of Vitology. Self-regulation is considered a universal mechanism enabling systems to maintain integrity, preserve coordinated functioning, respond to disturbances, support adaptation, activate regenerative processes, and sustain long-term development. Unlike approaches that interpret self-regulation primarily as a mechanism of control, Vitology regards self-regulation as a broader principle contributing to the preservation and increase of system viability. The paper explores the relationship between self-regulation and existing scientific approaches, including systems theory, cybernetics, homeostasis, resilience studies, and complex adaptive systems theory. Particular attention is devoted to the role of self-regulation in maintaining system coherence, supporting adaptive responses, facilitating regeneration, and promoting development across biological, ecological, social, organizational, technical, and artificial systems. Keywords Vitology, self-regulation, system viability, systems theory, cybernetics, adaptation, regeneration, resilience, homeostasis, system integrity, complex adaptive systems, development