Entirity

Entirity is a term used in speculative philosophy and science fiction to denote the totality of existence—a single, unified substrate from which phenomena arise. It is often contrasted with fragmentation and dualism.

Definition and scope: It refers to the complete state of a system, including all its relations, histories, and potentialities. Entirity is posited as indivisible in principle; partitions are considered models or representations of experience rather than fundamental separations.

Origin and usage: The term arose in online philosophy discussions and has appeared in some science fiction narratives to pose questions about determinism, information, and causality. The concept is typically used as a framework to discuss unity of science and the limits of reductionism.

Theoretical implications: In theories that treat entirity as a fundamental substrate, all processes are seen as manifestations or expressions of the entirity. This invites discussions of identity across scales, including whether consciousness or life can be considered properties of entirity.

Criticism and reception: Critics argue the concept is metaphorical and lacks empirical testability; proponents contend it provides a useful heuristic for thinking about unity and wholes in complex systems.

See also: Holism, Monism, Theory of Everything, Unity of Science, Emergence.