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Can Life Be Designed?—An Exploration From the Perspective of the Unified Complex Systems Theory
CUI Weicheng
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DOI:10.17265/2159-5313/2026.01.005
Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Micro/Nano-Photonic/Electronic System Integration, Hangzhou, China
Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
Human life is not determined by mechanical fatalism or a single material factor; instead, based on the dualistic ontology and active force mechanism in the Unified Complex Systems Theory (UCST), it can be actively designed under the guidance of mind, in accordance with causal laws, and through systematic interactions. This study integrates the dualistic ontology of UCST, as well as the cooperative mechanism of active force (Fa) and passive force (Fp). Furthermore, by incorporating Master Jiqun’s philosophy of “life design” and the practical principle of “destiny establishment and transformation” from The Four Lessons of Liaofan Yuan, it constructs a three-dimensional framework for life design encompassing the dimensions of science, philosophy, and practice. The significance of this research lies in breaking through the predicament of materialism in the AI (artificial intelligence) era, explaining the autonomy and initiative of life, providing feasible pathways for life design, and ultimately achieving the in-depth integration of scientific rationality and the wisdom of traditional Eastern culture.
life design, Unified Complex Systems Theory (UCST), dualistic ontology, active force, destiny-establishing practice
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