5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

Evolution is a dual process comprised of the evolution of biological systems along with the evolution of information systems, both of which affect and support each other.

Functional Idea (FI) – an evolutionary product, a concept developed to perform a function in society, may be identified as the basic building block.

Soft Force (SF) – this is a psychological force, a vector that has magnitude and “direction”. There is a direct correlation between FI and SF, with a SF vector being formed in the subconscious based on the FI.

All social systems are formed by agents connecting to them through a set of SFs. Positive or attracting SF vectors are formed in the subconscious for each FI. Also, the negative or repelling SF vectors are formed. The SF vectors are summed up into two resulting vectors, one positive and one negative.

Ideologically opposite segments of the population play an important role in the evolution of the FIs assuring that the process of change is properly paced and that new FIs are vetted before they become part of human culture. Social groups compete not only for land, resources, and power but also to prove the viability and superiority of their Functional Ideas.