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Concept Paper

The Pillars of Societal Bioharmonism a Conceptualist Contribution to the Evolution of the Contemporary Society

1
Faculty of Food and Tourism, Transilvania University of Brașov, 148 Castelului Street, 500014 Brașov, Romania
2
CSCBAS&CE-MONT Centre/Ince-Romanian Academy, Casa Academiei Române, Calea 13 Septembrie No. 13, 050711 Bucharest, Romania
3
Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov Street, No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Challenges 2025, 16(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010016
Submission received: 29 October 2024 / Revised: 16 February 2025 / Accepted: 4 March 2025 / Published: 6 March 2025

Abstract

:
This paper explores the concept of “bioharmonism” as a model for addressing sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating the principles of biological balance and life harmony at various levels of nature and society. The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrative paradigm that rationally organizes the component concepts of different approaches and nuances developed over time in an attempt to find a path forward regarding contemporary societal changes. Thus, along the lines of transdisciplinary and holistic approaches, a connection is made between natural sciences, specifically life sciences, and social sciences, to understand in this way the evolution of human society. Specifically, the objective of this conceptual viewpoint is related to sustainability, resilience, and planetary health, indicating the need to analyze planetary bioharmony and transfer the model to the structure and functionality of human society. This is achieved by describing the pillars of this complex endeavor in a unified and coherent approach to highlight the bioharmonization process. This paper analyzes the definition and role of societal bioharmonism, then the methodological argumentation based on specific notions, principles, and laws, and finally, describes the application lines of the pillars of bioharmonism, using as a case study the provision of food for the human population. Solutions are highlighted that can conceptually contribute to the evolution of contemporary society, considering the convergence of anthroposystems with ecosystems, based on the interconnection of the current Biological Revolution with the performances offered by the Information Era. These solutions aim at societal bioharmonization, supported complementarily by its specific conceptual pillars, which, through integration and emergence, lead to a dynamic systemic balance. This, in turn, lays the foundation for reintegrating the environment and biodiversity into the economic equation, the citizen into the social equation, and science into the political equation.

1. Introduction

Taking into account the main pillars of sustainable development—namely the environment, society, and the economy—the question arises of how these components influence each other and are essential for achieving a balance between economic development, environmental protection, and improving the quality of life in society. Naturally, there are numerous concerns in this regard, particularly regarding food security and planetary health as a whole, in line with the goals of sustainable development and the transformation of the world, as outlined institutionally by the United Nations [1]. From our perspective, we highlight a conceptual nuance of societal evolution concerning harmonization, with particular emphasis on the idea of dynamic equilibrium at the systemic level, based on bioharmonization processes. A brief analysis of observable reality reveals that the difference between the consumerist societal model [2] and the dynamic equilibrium model [3] reflects not only different economic approaches but also fundamental visions of how a society should be organized and evolve. Both models have profound implications for individual behavior, social relationships, and environmental impact. In contrast to the consumerist societal model, which emphasizes continuous economic growth but generates imbalances and multiple crises, we advocate for the model of harmony and dynamic equilibrium, which focuses on the adaptability and sustainability of a rational social, economic, and cultural system in the long term.
Contemporary society largely operates within the open space defined by the paradigm of modernity, or more accurately, post-postmodernity. This includes an emphasis on sociological, technological, and other conditions that distinguish the modern era from everything that followed it, including nuances of postmodern chaos. Therefore, it is crucial for researchers in interdisciplinary fields to seek innovative solutions to the complex problems of today’s world. In the current society, established postmodernism represents a set of intellectual, cultural, artistic, academic, and philosophical responses—solutions to the condition of contemporary post-postmodernism [4].
In summary, it is increasingly evident that the space of present-day society resembles a “black box”, insufficiently understood, making it necessary to approach the world through new paradigms and transdisciplinary interpretations [5]. Thus, our approach aligns with the conceptualist process, which, now more than ever, becomes relevant in the context of the broader effort as humanity becomes aware of the importance of “knowledge”. This idea itself represents the mechanism of relating to reality (whether theoretical, institutional, linguistic, or non-linguistic), expressed through the well-known concept of the Knowledge Society. In this paper, we refer to a series of contributions concerning the continuous restructuring and harmonization of information, marking the transition from an economic efficiency-based approach to systemic effectiveness, and ultimately to a holistic dimension that may eventually lead to the Society of Consciousness [6], namely the gradual transition toward holistic harmony at all societal levels and components.
We are speaking about a conceptual flow that, over relatively long periods, has placed an emphasis on efficiency, often at the expense of systemic effectiveness, leading to crises and pollution, while neglecting harmony—that is, “an order in which different parts or functions do not oppose one another, resulting in a felicitous combination of diverse elements”, as ancient Greek thinkers asserted.
As is well known, the idea of harmony was explicitly present in what the Pythagoreans called the “harmony of the spheres” and persisted in the thought of later times, from Kepler, Giordano Bruno, and Leibniz to Goethe (in the formulation of his pedagogical ideal in Wilhelm Meister), and later in German idealism. A new emphasis was given through harmonie préétablie in Leibniz’s metaphysics and in music (the science of using chords). Continuing along this trajectory, with the necessary adjustments, we consider it relevant to analyze contemporary society through this historically significant perspective and to adapt it to the model of planetary harmony, which has been unjustly overlooked to a large extent until now [7].
Knowing that achieving these goals is not an easy task, our concept paper encourages the release from biases and, at times, ignorance, to highlight the harmony of life and nature alike (a holistic harmony of the “bio-eco-geo” type). Thus, initially based on an empirical–scientific hope, the concept can gradually be guided and then studied as a societal model, balanced within the constants of the Living Planet and universal harmony [8]. Essentially, this establishes a connection between the idea of dynamic equilibrium, derived from the evolution of the “living” (bios), and the idea of “harmony”, laying the conceptual and etymological foundations through the juxtaposition of these terms, forming the semantically complex notion of “bioharmony”.

2. Literature Review

The idea of social harmony has been and continues to be of interest among researchers, analyzed as an approach to the role of communication and discourse in promoting social harmony, focusing on the interaction between democratic institutions and societal norms [9], as well as in peace studies, which explore the concept of positive peace and how social harmony can be cultivated through nonviolent means, emphasizing systemic change rather than merely resolving conflicts [10]. Other perspectives have highlighted the role of social structures, norms, and networks in creating harmony within societies, emphasizing the balance between individual and collective interests [11].
Interesting approaches examine how different societal structures affect social harmony and cohesion, contrasting two types of social organizations—”Gemeinschaft” (community) and “Gesellschaft” (society) [12]—which also focus on the intersection between social harmony and individual well-being, exploring how relationships, social support, and community affect the human experience [13].
Regarding the disharmonies caused by development limits, we can mention the concept of “Limits to Growth”, which analyses the interactions between population, resources, and economic growth, emphasizing the need for global balance to ensure the planet’s long-term sustainability [14]. Complementarily, the concept of “planetary boundaries” is introduced, providing a framework for understanding the critical thresholds of Earth’s system processes that must not be exceeded to maintain planetary and human societal stability [15,16]. A growing concern is the balance between the environment and society, such as the interconnection between natural systems and how ecosystem balance is fundamental to humanity’s well-being [17], as well as exploring how global social and environmental systems must function in harmony to sustain a peaceful and durable world [10]. In this context, alternative economic models that focus on achieving social and environmental balance are also presented. The “Doughnut” model, for instance, illustrates the space where human well-being and planetary health intersect, advocating for an economy that operates within the limits of Earth’s systems [18], an idea that explores resilience in social and ecological systems, highlighting how societies can adapt and transform in response to environmental changes, ensuring both social and ecological balance [19].
There are concerns and studies even at the global level, such as a comprehensive analysis of how global development can be sustainable through the integration of economic, social, and environmental systems. It is advocated that planetary-scale balance can be achieved through sustainable development practices that address both human needs and environmental protection [20], as well as the exploration of the intersection between capitalism and environmental degradation, arguing for a paradigm shift in how global society approaches the balance between economic growth and environmental management [21].
Political and social implications are analyzed through the global political consequences of environmental changes and the necessity for humanity to adopt a more holistic vision of planetary balance, considering both natural and social systems in the era of climate change [22]. This direction examines social sustainability at multiple levels, including local, national, and planetary scales. Thus, it is possible to explore how social structures can support environmental sustainability and vice versa, focusing on social equity and the natural environment [23].
The analysis and understanding of ecosystems in relation to anthroposystems constitute another topic in addressing systemic balances and harmony, such as those that explore the biological basis of knowledge and perception, arguing that human beings, as part of nature, must develop an understanding of their relationship with ecosystems to achieve balance. Such approaches contribute to the philosophical foundations of bioharmony in human–environment interactions [24], or those that introduce the Gaia Hypothesis, which suggests that Earth’s biological and physical systems are self-regulating and interconnected, presenting a vision of bioharmony in which ecosystems maintain balance [25]. These ideas have profound implications for understanding how human systems fit into the larger planetary system, such as studies in thermodynamics within the bioeconomic paradigm [26].
Regarding the dissemination of the idea of sustainability and social and legal involvement in this valuable theme for balance and harmony, discussions focus on the rise of grassroots global movements cantered on environmental sustainability and social justice. The book explores how bioharmony between ecosystems and human societies can be achieved through collective action and the evolution of global consciousness [27]. It also focuses on transforming education to enhance the understanding of sustainability and bioharmony, encouraging people to grasp the connections between human activities and ecological balance. This book is a useful resource for exploring how education systems can support the development of harmonious relationships between ecosystems and human society [28].
Additionally, a series of critiques are offered regarding capitalist economic structures that disrupt the balance between human societies and ecosystems. The work presents alternative economic models aimed at promoting bioharmony, emphasizing cooperation, sustainability, and fair relationships between people and the environment [29].
Resources and their flows are analyzed by examining human society as systems interacting with the environment through material and energy flow processes. This perspective is useful for understanding bioharmony from the standpoint of social metabolism and the sustainable use of resources within ecosystems [30], maintaining ecological balance and offering valuable lessons for modern societies striving for sustainability [31].
Potential imbalances are a frequently discussed theme among researchers who critique the current economic paradigm that prioritizes growth over ecological balance. They advocate for a new economic system that can promote human well-being within the ecological limits of the planet, calling for bioharmony in both social and natural systems [32]. Discussions also focus on the role of ecological principles in guiding the integration of human society with natural systems. The emphasis is placed on maintaining ecosystem balance while simultaneously promoting community well-being [33], offering a comprehensive framework for sustainable development that includes both social and environmental dimensions. The integration of these areas is key to achieving balance, or bioharmony, across various levels, including the planetary scale [34].

3. The Foundations of Bioharmony as a Concept at the Planetary Level

Drawing a parallel between the more well-known concept of social harmony and bioharmony, we observe that both forms of harmony reflect the idea of interconnection and balance, whether within the human community or in our relationship with nature, both being essential for a balanced and sustainable life. The difference we highlight in this paper is that social harmony focuses solely on relationships between people and their social structures, whereas bioharmony is more comprehensive, concentrating on the interactions between people and the surrounding nature, including biodiversity and territorial landscapes. In this context, by analyzing the reality around us, this paper focuses on two key ideas: bioharmony and planetary homeorhesis. This approach is relevant because these are complementary concepts, both aimed at the interconnection and balance between the components of nature and human society. In short, they refer to the following aspects:
(a) Bioharmony refers to a vision in which human society operates in harmony with the principles of nature, with the objective of maintaining a balance between human development, technological progress, and respect for the environment. It is an approach that promotes a symbiotic relationship between people (anthroposystems) and natural ecosystems, ensuring that human activities contribute to well-being and environmental protection by integrating ecological values into every aspect of society—from the economy to education and culture.
(b) Planetary homeorhesis, on the other hand, focuses on the idea that the planet, as a complex system, tends to reach a state of dynamic equilibrium, even in the face of disruptive changes. This concept acknowledges that there is no “static equilibrium” in a strict sense, but rather a “living equilibrium” in which diversity and adaptability play a key role. Thus, even in the face of ecological, economic, or social crises, the planet can develop self-regulation mechanisms to restore a sustainable dynamic stability.
N.B.—“Planetary homeorhesis” is a concept that suggests a state of dynamic equilibrium at a global level, in which the planet’s various systems—from the environment to society—are in a continuous process of adaptation and self-regulation, aiming for long-term sustainable balance. The term “homeorhesis” originates from the Greek words homoios (similar) and orezein (to become stable), referring to the tendency of a complex system to maintain its stability through adaptive changes, as opposed to homeostasis, which implies maintaining a fixed and constant state of equilibrium that is difficult to achieve.
The novelty brought by this paper is the combination of these two concepts, envisioning a model where bioharmony actively contributes to the realization of local, regional, or planetary homeorhesis, resulting in a new societal evolution paradigm that we define as social bioharmonism. Essentially, if human society adopts principles of biological and ecological harmony, then taking “the living” as a model for development (bioharmonism), this could support the planet’s natural systems in self-regulation and, by extension, human systems, helping them maintain long-term stability and health.
Numerous ideas and examples of sustainable development are already known, including investments in green technologies, reducing carbon emissions, developing circular economies, and promoting sustainable lifestyles. All of these clearly indicate that society could play an active role in facilitating a global dynamic balance.
Within the paradigm of societal bioharmonism, we can also specify the mechanisms and fundamental techniques that can be used and adapted to the core concepts that form its pillars (Table 1).
It is important to note that these techniques and mechanisms are not isolated but rather interconnected and work together to build a balanced society based on the model of societal bioharmonism, where each individual can develop harmoniously, benefiting the community, the evolutionary model, and the surrounding environment. Analysing all these aspects, the universality of bioharmonism can be emphasized. Through the hypotheses and reflections of the Theory of Bioharmonism [8], it is shown that, in essence, the integrative paradigm of bioharmonism brings together a series of specific approaches and related concepts that complement and combine with each other, relying on bioharmonization processes that are supported dynamically by specific methods and techniques. This flow of interconnected processes is found at both the structural and functional levels of any type of system, indicating the omnipresence and universality of the bioharmonism concept. The more comprehensive a system is, the more complex the bioharmonism paradigm becomes. A compelling example is the approach to human society and its evolution within the planetary system, with a focus on the model of societal bioharmonism, which is also argued and developed in this paper. In this context, as a foundation for the evolutionary model in the direction of the bioharmony concept, this paper explores a series of concrete steps that should be followed to adhere to the principles of societal bioharmonism in alignment with the state of planetary homeorhesis. These steps are, in fact, the CONCEPTUAL PILLARS that we propose, which support this endeavor both theoretically and practically.

4. The Definition and Role of Societal Bioharmony

The evolution of contemporary society is undoubtedly complex, but, in general, it is closely linked to the unprecedented development of technology. This also influences the interaction between ecosystems and anthroposystems, an area where technology and biology intersect, both being evolutionary processes. Elegant arguments supporting this issue can be found in Ray Kurzweil’s futurological hypothesis of the Law of Accelerating Returns (2004) [35].
The 20th century brought a major scientific shift with significant paradigmatic impact. As is well known, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and the development of quantum mechanics led to the emergence of a new physics, capable of describing different types of natural phenomena more coherently and in greater depth. Evolution became a unified theory when modern synthesis reconciled Darwinian evolution with classical genetics. We recall that the molecular structure of DNA was discovered by Watson and Crick in 1953. All these breakthroughs have enabled new interpretations of natural, social, and artificial phenomena, forming, in this case, a foundation for the role of bioharmonism, which serves as a bridge between the natural sciences, particularly the life sciences, and the social sciences, providing a holistic approach to the evolution of human society.
Concretizing the relationship between biology, technology, and society, we take as a reference nonlinear planetary harmony, expressed through life itself as an evolutionary model and a validated benchmark for contemporary society. We refer to bioharmony as a scientific–philosophical process and bioharmonism as a model for translating the ideal of bioharmony into objectives, strategies, and tactics. Bioharmonism essentially aims to transform reality, which has anarchic tendencies, into an optimized, balanced, and environmentally friendly system, based on the principles of sustainability and the convergence of conceptual, procedural, and societal pillars.
In short, bioharmonism seeks the emergent integration of resources and processes, becoming, alongside other initiatives, an effective vehicle toward the Knowledge Society. This is achieved by shaping a new, balanced societal model, characterized by maximum systemic efficiency and resilience, while also incorporating ethical values in technology, ecology, society, and politics.
Thus, the role of this concept is closely linked to sustainability, resilience, and planetary health, highlighting the need for an analysis of planetary bioharmony and the application of this model to the structure and functionality of human society through a complex, unified, and coherent bioharmonization process [36,37]. Without delving into details, we emphasize again that “bioharmonization” refers to the continuous process of optimizing and objectifying contemporary reality, particularly in the context of the biological revolution of the information age. After a phase of drift and even current disintegration, this revolution will restructure society into a new world. Methodologically, bioharmonization is initially based on empirical observations and, at the phenomenological level, on fragmentation mechanisms (fractal analysis), multiple integration flows (integronic processes), quantum approaches, etc., attempting to define problems, develop quantification methods, and ultimately provide a nonlinear interpretation of reality’s phenomena, in relation to the dynamic and linear cause–effect components of traditional approaches [38].
Reality reveals concerns about the planet, but only a small step forward has been taken in addressing some issues, such as understanding the limitations of global warming, adapting to the impact of climate change, and allocating funds to meet these goals [39]. In other words, the problem remains unresolved, particularly in relation to the world’s largest polluters, who are reluctant to acknowledge the fragility of the issue. This situation calls for new practical approaches, grounded in theories and concepts that have the potential to restore balance and promote harmonized restructuring—of course, provided they are accepted.
To better understand “reality”, it is essential to consider the various types of realities that we discover today (augmented and combined realities), which have poorly understood consequences, especially among younger generations. This highlights the importance of concepts from the expanded bioinformation world [40]. As a reference, we can look at the spectrum of realities (Figure 1), which illustrates how we understand physical, psychological (including sensory), and spiritual realities, all perceived to varying degrees in our surroundings. This represents an initial mystery that remains only partially distinguished, but one that could validly support the notion of “parallel realities”, particularly in the virtual world that we are continuously discovering in the 21st century.
In this relatively complex context, our paper aims to contribute to ideas related to a better understanding of the sustainability process and the paths to follow. We refer to the general objective of conceptualization, with theoretical and applied value at the societal level, in a scientific–philosophical, technological, and managerial approach, integrative in nature, and oriented towards redefining the evolution model of contemporary reality through new concepts [41,42].
The reason behind this objective lies in the characteristics of today’s world, which is generally driven by an uncontrolled explosion of information, development models in drift, and a potential for de-ideologization, generating deep disharmonies (such as the overlapping of current crises).
Therefore, this paper describes a coherent paradigm, supported by a series of “conceptual pillars” aimed at identifying mechanisms for preventing or correcting imbalances, that is, models validated in the “living world” with profitable applications in human systems. The idea is to move towards the bioharmonization of the structural and functional elements of contemporary society, a model that is further defined.
Essentially, bioharmonism represents the concept of systemic harmonization and balance in the holistic organization of contemporary society. Methodologically, it is based on aligning the parts with the whole and understanding the world in relation to the model of “life” (existence) and the “living” (bios) on a planetary scale, interconnected with current socio-economic and info-cultural systems. Regarding the role of the societal bioharmonism paradigm, we observe that in the context of today’s world, the concept becomes essential for several reasons, and we believe that the need to implement it in daily life and societal development is becoming increasingly urgent. A brief inventory of these reasons is highly relevant:
  • Environmental degradation, climate change, and resource depletion;
  • Human and community health;
  • Imbalances caused by economic and social polarization;
  • Global interconnectivity and globalization;
  • The control of technological development;
  • The need for education and ecological awareness.
The conceptual approach to the evolution of contemporary society is therefore more necessary than ever (practical actions alone cannot solve problems without a theoretical understanding of them). Through the perspective of this paper, we believe that the idea of societal bioharmonism can make a meaningful contribution.
This integrative concept offers a systemic and holistic vision that seeks to restore balance between people, nature, and technology, by promoting a sustainable way of life. Given the challenges our planet is facing, the concept of bioharmonism can serve as a necessary solution to ensure a balanced, healthy, and sustainable future for humanity and all forms of life.

5. Bioharmonism and Its Basic Pillars, as an Argument for the Transition to a Conceptually Changing World

The path of bioharmonism and its nuances as a model, for a better understanding of its applicability to various systems, can be schematically represented in Figure 2.
The bioharmonism we conceptually promote is practically based on the integration of the theory of interdependence between humans and nature, the maintenance of a balance between economic development and environmental protection, the promotion of responsible consumption, ecological education, and international collaboration for a sustainable future. These principles are reflected in subsidiary theories that form the foundation of the pillars of societal bioharmonism, which aim to create a more harmonious, equitable, and sustainable societal model. At the same time, the path of bioharmonism involves specific concepts and methodologies.
Bringing all these elements together, we state that the goal of this paper is two-fold:
  • Structural—to inventory and organize the concepts developed over time by our research;
  • Functional—to highlight the convergence and complementarity of these concepts, grouped into “conceptual pillars”, categorized into:
    Primary pillars—with theoretical significance;
    Secondary pillars—with applied relevance, illustrated through case studies according to the field of application.
Since our expertise lies in the agri-food sector, we aim to emphasize the interrelationship between the developed concepts in order to understand bioharmonization processes (at both the theoretical and applied levels), with the goal of developing solutions for food security, in alignment with the ideas, principles, and rules of societal bioharmonism (Figure 3).
In another order of ideas, we can observe that changes in contemporary society are very evident. Notably, the acceleration of science and technology is occurring at a much faster pace than society’s ability to comprehend these developments. Therefore, any attempt to decode these dynamics, allowing society to find its direction, is a worthwhile effort. The theory of bioharmonism and the shaping of an ideology aim to contribute to understanding societal reality on multiple levels, particularly through critical, convergent, and systemic thinking. Structuring the paradigm, establishing principles, and developing rules and strategies can make bioharmonism a reference point for societal evolution. These efforts can materialize through the development of a specific methodology and the creation of original concepts necessary for the precise and concise expression of certain nuances, which would otherwise be difficult to grasp without their definition and elaboration.
Additionally, developing an innovative language becomes essential. Without clarifying conceptual aspects, it is impossible to explain the phenomenological structural vision of material–informational reality (ortophysics) and, even more so, the biological–informational reality. In short, searching for concepts that facilitate the transition from the complicated to the complex, from Newtonian physics to quantum physics, and from linear to nonlinear approaches—characteristic of the living world and the surrounding nature—becomes highly useful. The terminology used aims to precisely convey meaning, and while creating a specialized language may initially seem to complicate matters, it is necessary for clarity.
Examples of terms that will be briefly described in this paper (from the Glossary of the Theory of Bioharmonism, 2019) [8] include bioharmony, bioharmonism, bioharmonization, emergence, ecosanogenesis, fractal, georesis, homeoresis, homeostasis, integronic, infogronic, ortoexistence, telefinality, and others. In line with these considerations, we see bioharmonism as a “seed for another world”, bringing together a corollary of concepts, principles, laws, and new notions that illustrate the presence of this concept in various components of reality. First, we will present our conceptual efforts over time (noting that self-citations serve as an inventory of the publication of these concepts in recent decades) concerning societal dynamics. This will include a description of five key theoretical pillars, followed by five additional concepts related to sectoral solutions, with examples from the agri-food sector and broader generalizations applicable to contemporary society.

6. Contributions to the Progress of Knowledge Through the Integronics of Bioharmonism Pillars

Today’s reality indicates a postmodern society, also referred to as an information society or post-industrial society, which embodies the accumulation of these trends. This has led to widespread uncertainty and profound transformations in societal groups, as well as in scientific, technological, cultural, and political activities, all of which necessitate solutions through the formulation of new concepts, such as bioharmonism.
Moving from the general to the particular, our analyses in the “decoding” or resolving—as much as possible—the mystery of the dynamic equilibrium model (homeorhesis), across different levels of the environment and society, have framed the bioharmony process as a holistic problem. Through concepts addressing certain general aspects, this process has practically created a framework that enables the development and theorization of the “idea of bioharmonism” (Table 2).
Bearing in mind that the primary need of people, as shown by world statistics is that 70% of the requirements are of food order, we consider it appropriate to emphasize our concern for the up-to-date conceptualization of the branch of food production and processing based on the principles, rules and methods of the bioharmonism paradigm. This is why in Table 3 we will present the conceptual pillars with applied connotation of the bioharmonization processes, with the idea of exemplifying the application of the societal bioharmonism paradigm in the specific systems of the food act.
The specifications in the tables indicate a way to explore new experiments, models, formulas, and strategies in science, technology, and economics, with social and cultural impact, but especially political, aiming at the development of public policies through a bioharmonist approach. This is intended to align the impact of human activity with the concrete reality of the postmodern era.
The response to these new approaches may emerge before the birth of a new cultural era (“another world”), with a status distinct from post-postmodernity, characterized by a new configuration and a recalibration of values. Highlighting, adapting to the present, and identifying mechanisms for the “valorization” of the concept of value—which in many respects is now outdated—become possible through the principles of bioharmonism. This is achieved through its potential to ensure an emergent transition, facilitating the collective interaction of systemic components, ultimately leading to the emergence of a higher-order societal framework—that is, an emergence supported by the conceptual approach of societal bioharmonism.
Starting from the premise that the current socio-economic and political model is increasingly showing deficiencies, including in cultural and educational aspects [46,47], Figure 4 presents a schematic representation of the transition through the pillars of bioharmonism, illustrating a pyramidal inversion towards a high-performing society, maintaining dynamic equilibrium and ethical foundations based on ideas and values.
Therefore, a more harmonized ordering with the potential for a cascading restructuring of societal components (conceptual, legal, and institutional reforms) is timely in the effort to “make peace” with the environment, the economy, and ourselves as individuals or as a society, in the direction of fundamentally reconsidering the continuity of balanced life on Earth (Figure 5).
Theoretical relocation through innovative concepts leads to the bioharmonization of contemporary society’s evolution, which, systematically speaking, has the potential to generate “social homeorhesis”. This process essentially reflects the previously emphasized idea, representing the property or state of a system to maintain its dynamic equilibrium.
Considering that “routine and prejudices cannot indefinitely stifle ideas” and that “if we learn from the changes in the world, we will see the loop of knowledge creating bridges between today and tomorrow”, we are convinced that the idea of bioharmonism, along with its corresponding foundational pillars highlighted in this conceptual work, can become a significant reference point in the context of the accelerated transformations of the modern world and human society.

7. Conclusions

Bioharmonism, through its innovative ideas, proposes a reorientation of the approach to contemporary society along a balanced and harmonized path, aligned with the constants and model of the “Living Planet”. The result is the delineation of a framework that supports the current societal mechanism, primarily characterized by the convergence of reality shaped by the Biological Revolution and the Information Era.
The processes and mechanisms of bioharmonization aim at a balanced bioeconomic and biotechnological action in relation to the developments of Industry 4.0 and its corresponding cultural and psychosocial implications. This outlines planetary homeorhesis, fundamentally based on understanding societal development by using the harmony of planetary “traditions” as a foundation and analytical model, which can be conceptually, doctrinally, and philosophically supported as a reference point for perceived reality in the 21st century. This serves as a counterbalance to the imbalanced and consumerist societal model of the past century.
Societal bioharmonization represents a system of complementary equations that holistically incorporate the environment and biodiversity into the economic equation, the citizen into the social equation, and science into the political equation. This system is supported by a series of primary pillars which, through multiple integrations (integronic dynamics), acquire emergent potential sustained by concepts such as biosophy, the infogronic law, and the theory of bioharmonism. These induce, from a systemic perspective, a state of societal homeorhesis at the planetary level, and from a political perspective, the principles and rules of bioharmonist ideology. From the perspective of organizational culture, they contribute to integronic management, all serving as a means of restoring fundamental principles and providing a conceptual regeneration framework in a world undergoing a paradigmatic shift.
As secondary pillars of societal bioharmonism, with an applied role complementing the concepts represented by the primary pillars and adapted according to specific fields of activity, the conceptual contribution focuses on securing food as an existential priority. This is expressed systemically through the ideas of “ecosanogenesis” and “biocoenotic genetics” in relation to the environment and biodiversity. Practical applications are illustrated through specific steps in the food production process, supported in turn by branch-specific concepts such as modular agriculture, bioeconomic animal husbandry, and gastronomic engineering, all within the framework of engineering and management.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, R.G.; methodology, R.G.; validation, R.G. and L.G.; formal analysis, R.G. and L.G.; writing—original draft preparation, R.G.; writing—review and editing, L.G. and O.B.O.; visualization, L.G. and O.B.O.; supervision, R.G.; funding acquisition, R.G., L.G. and O.B.O. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Data Availability Statement

Data are contained within the article.

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the support of the Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Figure 1. Awareness of bioharmonization processes in perceived reality, specific to the real world, becomes a reference point for understanding the harmonization of considerations from parallel realities, characteristic of the digital and quantum era.
Figure 1. Awareness of bioharmonization processes in perceived reality, specific to the real world, becomes a reference point for understanding the harmonization of considerations from parallel realities, characteristic of the digital and quantum era.
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Figure 2. The dynamic flow of the systemic bioharmonism model.
Figure 2. The dynamic flow of the systemic bioharmonism model.
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Figure 3. Block diagram of the emerging interconnections of bioharmonism concepts, as pillars of the societal evolution model in line with dynamic equilibrium (aiming at planetary homeorhesis).
Figure 3. Block diagram of the emerging interconnections of bioharmonism concepts, as pillars of the societal evolution model in line with dynamic equilibrium (aiming at planetary homeorhesis).
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Figure 4. Transition of conceptual resettlement necessary to decode the “gates” of today’s reality, by processes of societal bioharmonization.
Figure 4. Transition of conceptual resettlement necessary to decode the “gates” of today’s reality, by processes of societal bioharmonization.
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Figure 5. Expression of societal bioharmonism through the complementarity of multiple pillars and mechanisms ranked on systemic direction of dynamic balance (societal homeoresy).
Figure 5. Expression of societal bioharmonism through the complementarity of multiple pillars and mechanisms ranked on systemic direction of dynamic balance (societal homeoresy).
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Table 1. Specific techniques and principle methods adaptively used by conceptual categories within the holistic paradigm of societal bioharmonism.
Table 1. Specific techniques and principle methods adaptively used by conceptual categories within the holistic paradigm of societal bioharmonism.
Applied Techniques GroupMethodological ComponentsBrief Description
Strategies for
Sustainable
Economic Systems
Circular Economy
-
By implementing an economic system that promotes recycling and resource reuse, the negative impact on the environment is reduced, leading to a greater balance between economic development and environmental protection, as well as between humans and the “living” planet.
Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR)
-
Legal and financial support for companies that can contribute to societal bioharmonization by implementing socially and environmentally responsible business practices.
Education for Awareness and
Respect
Holistic Education
-
Promoting an educational system based on the principles of bioharmonization processes, which not only develops students’ academic knowledge but also their emotional, social, and spiritual skills. This includes fostering empathy, emotional intelligence, and social responsibility to ensure a better understanding of systemic balances.
Mindfulness
-
Mindfulness practices are used to help individuals regulate their emotions and improve interpersonal relationships, thereby contributing to a greater societal balance.
Policies for Fair
Social
Inclusion
Reducing Inequalities
-
Implementing policies aimed at reducing economic and social inequalities to create a more balanced and fairer society, where all individuals feel part of an integrated whole within local, regional, or planetary systemic homeorhesis.
Multiple Integrations for Balancing Diversity
-
Implementing policies that promote cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity to foster better understanding and mutual respect between different social groups, helping to prevent conflicts and maintain social harmony.
Public Health
Mechanisms
Promoting Mental Health
-
In the context of the transition towards the Knowledge Society (with increasing informational aggression), access to mental health services and stress, anxiety, and depression prevention becomes necessary as essential mechanisms for maintaining societal balance. Encouraging the development of a psychological support system is a crucial step in the bioharmonization of an increasingly dynamic society in the current decades.
Disease Prevention
Programs
-
From a biological–informational perspective, educating the population about a healthy lifestyle is essential. This includes a balanced diet, regular physical exercise, and avoiding harmful substances, all of which contribute to overall health and, implicitly, to the bioharmonism of society.
Conflict Mediation and Resolution TechniquesMethods
of Mediation
-
The transition to a new world, of harmonizing integronics and dynamic balance, requires mechanisms through which interpersonal or social conflicts can be resolved through dialogue and compromises, without resorting to the violence of the current society. Mediators help the parties reach a balanced, mutually acceptable agreement.
Techniques of
Negotiation
-
Promoting negotiation methods based on moral agreement, following the “win–win” rule (collaboration and mutual trust through principle-based negotiations), which respects the interests of all parties involved and can prevent conflicts, leading to the harmonization of social relationships.
The development of
bioharmonization
techniques along spiritual
and ethical lines
Common Spiritual
Methods and Practices
-
Promoting common spiritual values that encourage respect, love, and compassion between individuals to contribute to creating an atmosphere of harmony and understanding in society.
Ethics in Social
Relationships
-
Using methods that promote ethical and responsible behavior at both individual and collective levels, aiming to create an environment of trust and cooperation necessary for the gradual realization of societal bioharmonism.
Table 2. Original theories and concepts at the societal level.
Table 2. Original theories and concepts at the societal level.
ParadigmSummary Description
Biosophy
  • It refers to a field of philosophical essay writing based on the “philosophy of the dynamics of living elements”, expressed through planetary biology and ecology (biognoseology) in connection with newly emerging ideas about the nonlinear model of nature and the principles of the quantum world. This approach is specifically expressed within the concept through the dynamics of integronic management and informational methodology. It orients the general worldview and perception of life, emphasizing deep awareness of the relationship between the existence of “the living and planetary life” and the evolution of nature, recognizing that evolution is not perfectly predictable. The bioharmonized conceptual approach is emphasized in relation to society’s needs for life and development, based on scientific foundations and a set of methodological principles, aiming to conceptually link the “Primordial Cosmic Information” (also intuited in Christian theological narratives: “In the beginning was the Word…”, John 1:1–14) with the planetary informational program. Essentially, it is an evolutionary perspective incorporating physics, chemistry, and quantum electrodynamics, supporting the ascent of terrestrial life based on Information (I) encoded in the genetic code of all living beings, with yet-unknown interactions at all levels of the biological hierarchy and connections within the human species regarding societal bioharmonization, analyzed from both material and spiritual perspectives.
Theory of
Bioharmonism
  • It is a theory that encompasses a set of concepts, laws, and principles that reorganize humanity’s creative process, essentially representing a new perspective on human development based on the nonlinear model of the “Living Planet” and the existential triad (Information, Energy, Substance). It takes “the Living” and “Life” as fundamental reference points, generalizing the idea through the acronym “BIO”, which is integrated into the process of societal harmonization. The approach focuses on sustainable development through systemic efficiency, aiming for dynamic equilibrium within the model of contemporary society, which is essentially characterized by the convergence of the Biological Revolution with the specificity of the Information Age. Thus, under the hypothesis of biological–informational harmonization, it becomes a complementary vehicle for evolution toward the Knowledge Society and, subsequently, the Consciousness Society—a conceptual endeavor centered on the phenomenon of “bioharmonization” and an applied ideology based on the principles of “bioharmonism”.
Infogronic Law
  • It is a conceptual idea referring to an existential phenomenon in continuous dynamics across space and time, concerning information in multiple integration at all processual and phenomenological levels. It is based on a series of axioms regarding the phases of “volution” (evolution, revolution), with reference to the ontic triad, where INFORMATION (I) serves as the foundation, being restructured into Energy (E) and Substance (S). This hypothesis pertains to complementary integrations, grounded in the science of system coexistence within the general theory of multiple integrations (also known as integronic dynamics), leading to the empirical–scientific hypothesis of “INFOGRONIC” processes. These processes involve a hypothetical action of structuring or de-structuring universal coded and programmed information, indicating the presence of “something” that must be further defined and named—a presence that remains “mysterious” in its manifestation within the real, conceptual, spiritual, and virtual worlds.
Integronic
Management
  • It is a scientific, conceptual, and methodological approach through which the combination of ideas, principles, and resources necessary for the production of goods and services emphasizes the process of sustainability, primarily focusing on systemic effectiveness and, in a referential manner, on bioeconomic efficiency and profitability. It refers to a managerial activity that studies integrated systems and integration processes, considering global elements and facts as a whole, in accordance with the General Theory of Integration. This approach enables a balanced systemic piloting, including enterprises operating within the economy–environment framework. As a result of multiple integrations (indicating integronic dynamics), a management model emerges based on an organizational culture with complementary synchronic and syncretic expression, producing synergistic effects (S3). This ultimately results in an emergent integration process along the biological–informational axis. Thus, a bioharmonist-based managerial framework is established, featuring a specific model based on a methodology that includes indicators showing the interconnection between biological, ecological, and techno-economic parameters, all optimized for maximum efficiency and performance.
Bioharmonist
Ideology
  • It represents a political pathway linked to the sustainable development of resources, knowledge, dynamic equilibrium, and liberal and societal values, essentially forming a doctrinal and ideological framework encompassed in the concept of “bioharmonism”. The formulated ideology is based on a set of philosophical, moral, and religious ideas and concepts, where Information (I) serves as the common denominator, supporting a programmed and codified dynamic capable of harmonizing scientific data from nature’s model as “unity in biodiversity” with the biological–informational society as a model for contemporary civilization. In practice, it becomes an ideology with a political stance focused on stimulating and accumulating wealth, based on the convergence and integration of modern ethical liberalism with nature’s model and mutual economic equilibrium. This approach maximizes the potential to counteract climate, demographic, and geopolitical crises.
Table 3. The conceptual pillars with applied conno-tation of the bioharmonization processes.
Table 3. The conceptual pillars with applied conno-tation of the bioharmonization processes.
ParadigmSummary Description
Ecosanogenesis
(the concept of
“Holistic Health” or “Total Health”)
  • It is an integrated “health–environment” concept referring to the dynamics of health generation (or non-deterioration) for living species, regardless of biological hierarchy and ecological organization. Its methodological foundation lies in harmonizing economic efficiency with systemic effectiveness, expressed through the pragmatic axis “human–product–nature”, without environmental degradation. Unlike the “One Health” concept, which focuses on the convergence of human and animal health, the concept of ecosanogenesis considers the health of “human–food–ecosystem”, analyzed through multiple integrations (integronic dynamics), both from an eco-bio-geo perspective and within a broader biological sphere. This includes balance and harmony aspects ranging from microorganisms to plants, fungi, animals, humans, and the entire natural environment. Thus, it supports the idea of “total integrated health = biodiversity + humans + environment”, referred to as “holistic health” (recognizing that holism is the “fundamental operative factor for creating integrations in the universe” [43]). This is expressed through the concept of ecosystemic sanogenesis and integronic nutrition, combined under the shortened term “ecological sanogenesis” or “eco-sanogenesis” [42].
Biocoenotic
Genetics
  • It is a complementary conceptual component of genetics in the ecological and ontic direction (considering as a basis the flux of the existential triad: information, restructured into energy and substance), which focuses on the process of heredity at the biocenosis level. It is centered on the inheritance of relationships and behaviors between species through mechanisms of cohesion and genetic adaptation, beyond the species barrier. These processes are based on the encoded program of living organisms regarding informational interconnections between species and populations, ultimately aiming at decoding the genetic circuit within a specific bioharmonization process of the “interrelation poly-gene pool” type. This process, directly or indirectly, highlights the heredity of existing interconnections and relationships, expressed through inherited behaviors within a given biocenosis and subsequently transmitted through genetic and epigenetic principles, inherited non-genetic factors, as well as interpretations of the quantum world, to the biocenosis of future generations [44].
Modular
Agriculture
  • It is a concept within the branch of polyvalent integration agriculture of the bio-eco-geo type, which focuses on the biological and ecological management of certain modular structures within the territorial landscape. This is determined by geographical characteristics and market demand, ultimately leading to the production of plant-based and animal-based products, food processing, and culinary production within a diversity of grouped modules. These modules can be structured either as macro-modules, such as agroecosystems or, more broadly, anthroposystems, or as micro-modules, such as specialized constructions with controlled environmental and spatial characteristics. Examples of micro-modules include vertical farms, greenhouses, and production laboratories in cellular agriculture, as well as other specific agricultural modules [45].
Bioeconomic Animal Husbandry
  • It is a concept based on the premise that the issue of animal proteins must be placed in a broader context, considering not only a limited number of criteria but also taking into account health and environmental concerns. This idea emphasizes the need to avoid “false good solutions” in nutrition by promoting bioharmonization in the relationship between plant and animal proteins while integrating environmental factors into the zoo-economic equation. The concept supports the reorientation and adaptation of animal production activities by applying bioeconomic principles to renew and transform the livestock sector. The goal is to optimize efficiency and systemic effectiveness by addressing energy bioconversion and implementing biotechnological transformations, promoting the principle of “producing less, but better”. This approach is based on shifting the current paradigm, which is solely profit-driven, towards highlighting regulatory mechanisms and self-regulation (cybernetic principles) while integrating environmental concerns into animal production. The result is the generation of a real potential for sustainability and eco-development, effectively reshaping the technical–scientific and managerial framework of animal husbandry. The aim is to achieve “bioharmony” in relation to nature and society. Additionally, the concept has a pragmatic objective: the production of animal-based products with superior nutritional quality and health benefits, developed according to bioeconomic principles. This ensures food security and environmental protection [45].
Gastronomic
Engineering
  • It is an approach that scientifically defines the activity of the gastro-industry sector, representing a systemic synthesis discipline that addresses the third stage of the integrated food process (following agriculture and the food industry) based on principles of engineering and management. This approach combines food sciences with culinary arts and gastrotechnologies, applying the philosophy of bioharmony in sensory experience and health through rational nutrition, technologically balanced in physicochemical and organoleptic aspects. It emphasizes cooking techniques through efficient and diversified performance management, either for distinct food groups or personalized nutrition. The concept studies the innovation and production of high-quality meals and select mixed beverages, as well as their commercialization and service in specialized public food establishments, the restaurant industry, and the hospitality sector. These activities are integrated into the final stage of the food process, aligning with the “Farm to Fork” axis, ensuring that culinary products and dishes reach the consumer’s plate [44]
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Gruia, R.; Gaceu, L.; Oprea, O.B. The Pillars of Societal Bioharmonism a Conceptualist Contribution to the Evolution of the Contemporary Society. Challenges 2025, 16, 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010016

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Gruia R, Gaceu L, Oprea OB. The Pillars of Societal Bioharmonism a Conceptualist Contribution to the Evolution of the Contemporary Society. Challenges. 2025; 16(1):16. https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010016

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Gruia, Romulus, Liviu Gaceu, and Oana Bianca Oprea. 2025. "The Pillars of Societal Bioharmonism a Conceptualist Contribution to the Evolution of the Contemporary Society" Challenges 16, no. 1: 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010016

APA Style

Gruia, R., Gaceu, L., & Oprea, O. B. (2025). The Pillars of Societal Bioharmonism a Conceptualist Contribution to the Evolution of the Contemporary Society. Challenges, 16(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010016

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