Movement as an emergent form: Its structural limits

The purpose of this paper is to view the structure of goal-directed movement as an emergent property of a system interacting with its surround. Principles of the genesis of form are presented and arguments offered to extend these concepts to the analysis of human movement. Movement is viewed as a dynamic form having structural limits which define its functionality or its potential in solving a particular motor problem.The morphology of the system, and its experience with external objects and the field of external forces are considered to be the primary factors determining the emerging form of a movement. These interacting factors and their influence on the structural limits of a movement are discussed in detail. While the degree of effectiveness may vary, it is suggested that the structure of the movement tends towards efficiency and represents the current problem-solving capacity of the individual at any one point in time. Coordination of a system is thus viewed as a reflection of the individual's ability to integrate its internal states and processes with external demands.Lastly, goal-directedness, as a characteristic of living systems, is believed to provide the basis for defining the morphological, biomechanical and environmental constraints which are relevant to the task. The role of the task and the intentionality of the system in its goal-directedness and organization of movement is explored.The framework for viewing movement offered in this paper is enhanced by philosophical arguments and supported by evidence from the arts and the physical, biological and behavioral sciences. It is intended to encourage the reader to re-examine ideas, reflect on movement in a unique way and to generate questions regarding the underlying mechanisms and synergies supporting the emergence of movement in compliance with the factors that constrain it.