Integration as a Fundamental Mechanism of System Viability

This paper examines integration as one of the fundamental mechanisms of system viability within the framework of Vitology as an interdisciplinary research program centered on the concept of viability. Integration is understood as the process through which system components become coherently interconnected into a unified whole while preserving both their functional specialization and systemic integrity. Unlike approaches that interpret integration primarily as structural unification, organizational coordination, or functional coupling, Vitology considers integration scientifically meaningful only insofar as it contributes to preserving and increasing system viability. The paper analyzes the relationship between integration and existing scientific approaches, including systems theory, cybernetics, complexity science, synergetics, resilience studies, and complex adaptive systems research. Particular attention is devoted to the role of harmony, coordination, feedback, self-regulation, regeneration, adaptation, and emergent properties in transforming integration into increasing system viability. The universality of integration across physical, chemical, biological, ecological, social, organizational, technical, and artificial systems is also discussed, demonstrating its significance as one of the fundamental mechanisms supporting the long-term preservation, development, and viability of complex systems. Keywords Vitology, integration, system viability, system integration, harmony, coordination, feedback, self-regulation, regeneration, adaptation, emergent properties, systems theory, cybernetics, complexity science, synergetics, resilience, complex adaptive systems.