Selbstung

Selbstung is a German neologism formed from Selbst- (“self”) and -ung (a suffix that makes a noun). It does not have a single, universally accepted definition in standard dictionaries, and its exact meaning varies by author and discipline. In contemporary German-language writing, Selbstung is used to describe processes or states in which a system, organization, or agent develops, acts, or regulates itself from internal dynamics rather than being driven solely by external forces.

Etymology and relation to other terms: the term sits alongside established concepts such as Selbstorganisation (self-organization) and Autopoiesis (self-creation of a system). Selbstung is often employed as a broader or more interpretive label for self-directed change, self-determination, or self-modification, rather than a precise technical term. Because of its lack of standard definition, its specific scope is defined by the context in which it appears.

Possible domains: in philosophy, Selbstung may be used to discuss self-determination or self-authorship of agents. In systems theory or cybernetics, it can describe self-regulating or self-modifying dynamics. In biology-inspired or artificial intelligence contexts, it may function as a metaphor for autonomous growth, adaptation, or internal reorganization.

Usage notes: due to its rarity and non-standard status, Selbstung should be defined carefully within any work. Authors typically provide their own definition when employing the term and should distinguish it from related concepts like self-organization or autopoiesis. In English-language scholarship, references to Selbstung remain uncommon.