R-Theory is a synthesis of Robert Rosen’s Relational Biology that was begun by Dr. John Kineman. Here it is presented as the central view of Relational Science. In essence it is more of a worldview than a theory with precise predictions. R-theory allows the development of holistic theory by presenting a causally whole metaphysical foundation. In this sense it is a meta-theory. But to say “R-Metatheory” would confuse many people, so we call it simply “R-Theory”. Current science often does not distinguish properly between theory and meta-theory (worldview), but it is an important distinction because theory can be tested by comparing predictions of theory with observations. Metatheory can only be tested by comparing the success of theories developed on its assumptions. There are two levels of explanation, each with slightly different criteria for acceptance. Technically, R-theory is not testable against observations. It is testable according to six epistemological criteria. By satisfying all of these criteria it becomes a scientific platform for developing theory about phenomena. But R-theory itself is theory about causality, which at most can predict system types and organizational possibilities – what nature can do, vs. what it does do.
For example, in these pages, R-theory holons are applied to various situations and questions in multiple disciplines. There are applications to theory development in cosmology, evolution, ecology, business management, environmental assessment, consciousness, sociology, physics, etc. R-theory itself provides only the assumptions that theories in these and other domains can be based on. If basing phenomenal theory on these assumptions produces better theory about the world of events, according to specific epistemological criteria now including empirical testing, then R-theory is thus tested by the success or failure of such theory. The following diagram shows this epistemological layering in which HD methodology tests theories, while paradoxes between theories lead to adopting new assumptions that resolve the parados. Hence R-theory is claimed to resolve current paradoxes in conflicting theories of modern science. It does not invalidate or replace any of them, except that by proposing more general assumptions, it suggests modifications that can help integrate those theories. In the terminology adopted later in life by the philosopher of science Carl Popper, R-Theory is a “Metaphysical Research Program” (MRP). Carl Popper and Thomas Khun came to the opinion that such efforts are essential at the foundation of science.
J. Kineman 1991, 2018