eigenomisten

Eigenomisten refers to a theoretical concept in the fields of evolutionary biology, systems biology, and complex systems theory, proposing that organisms may possess intrinsic, self-organizing properties that drive their development and evolution. The term is derived from the German words *Eigen* (meaning "own" or "intrinsic") and *Genom* (genome), suggesting that an organism’s fundamental identity and behavior arise from its own internal organization rather than solely from external environmental influences or genetic programming.

The idea was initially explored by Stuart Kauffman, a theoretical biologist, in his work on the *adjacent possible*—the set of states that a system can transition into from its current state. Eigenomisten builds on this by suggesting that biological systems, including genomes, may exhibit self-sustaining patterns of organization that emerge from their own internal dynamics. These patterns could shape evolutionary trajectories, allowing organisms to explore new functional states without relying exclusively on random mutations or environmental pressures.

Critics argue that eigenomistic properties, while mathematically intriguing, may not fully account for the role of external factors such as natural selection, genetic drift, or ecological interactions. Proponents, however, highlight that such intrinsic organizational principles could explain phenomena like developmental robustness, where organisms maintain stable traits despite genetic variability, or the emergence of complex biological structures without explicit genetic instructions.

The concept remains speculative and is not widely accepted as a dominant framework in mainstream evolutionary theory. It intersects with broader discussions on autonomy in biological systems, the limits of genetic determinism, and the potential for self-organization in living organisms. Further research in synthetic biology and computational modeling may provide clearer insights into whether eigenomistic principles play a significant role in biological evolution.