Open AccessSocial Affinity Flow Theory
Author(s) -
Christopher G. Gourdine,
Justin R. Edgren,
Thomas L. Trice,
Joseph M. Zlatic
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the journal of bahá’í studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2563-755X
pISSN - 0838-0430
DOI - 10.31581/jbs-29.4.3(2019
Subject(s) - constructal law , constructive , sociology , construct (python library) , instinct , diversity (politics) , process (computing) , epistemology , computer science , physics , mechanics , ecology , philosophy , anthropology , heat transfer , biology , programming language , operating system
This article presents a new theoretical construct, Social Affinity Flow Theory (SAFT), which both describes and predicts fl ow phenomena across a diversity of human social systems and is founded upon constructal law. Constructal law and its associated s-curves describe many phenomena, both in nature and in human societies. Extrapolated from the work of Bejan and Zane and integrating social science research, it provides a foundational explanation of social rifts prevalent in many societies today as well as constructive efforts of social change, whether secular or religiously based. A primary example of constructive change explained by SAFT is the community-building work of the Bahá’í Faith, as reflected in both its teachings and its training institute process.