A Science for Social Coherence?

"In the practice of psychiatry, we like to think we have better radar than most doctors for identifying incoherent thinking in our fellow humans. Incoherence is one of the crucial signs for potential disasters in the central nervous system-delirium, psychosis, mania, intoxication, stroke, encephalitis. And yet, now in the waning years of my career, I confess that I've practiced this skill of identifying incoherent thinking with only the vaguest definition of coherence, and no measure."

"In the engineering world mechanical coherence refers to the extent to which two or more oscillating systems are synchronized, or coherent. The laser beam, for example, synchronizes two bands of light, both temporally and spatially, to achieve a sharp focus and a narrow frequency, a highly coherent light system compared to sunlight."

"To the extent that we can think of our body as a complex system of systems, particularly our stress response system, does it make sense to ask if our bodies operate by some form of mechanical coherence? Applying the concept of mechanical coherence to our bodies, with all its component organ systems oscillating in various rhythm"

Biological systems like murmurations and schools demonstrate natural synchronization without training. Psychiatrists recognize incoherent thinking as a sign of neurological problems, yet lack precise definitions and measurements for coherence. The field relies on intuitive assessment rather than scientific methodology. Engineering offers a useful framework through mechanical coherence—the synchronization of oscillating systems, exemplified by laser light achieving sharp focus through temporal and spatial alignment. Applying this engineering concept to human physiology suggests the body functions as interconnected systems requiring synchronization. Understanding personal coherence through this lens could improve clinical assessment of stress responses and neurological conditions.

Read at Psychology Today