Hi Carmen, John & Thomas, What came to mind when I read "Steps to an Ecology of Emergence" is that we obviously have no direct control over what emerges as a consequence of "parts or components" interacting (Mind is an aggregate of interacting parts or components. GB).  As a part or component of Mind we each influence other parts or components of Mind through behaviour that models either skills that increase the range of possibilities from which a person can choose and how to explore each possibility (Intention/Outcome/Consequences, Perceptual Positions, etc.,), or, behaviour that models constraints; limited skills and no skill in expanding a model of the world that is mostly unconscious to the person. If an individual is aware of his/her dependence on the systems that sustain him/her then there is a greater likelihood that his/her behaviour will be action chosen after ecological consideration.  His/her influence on Mind, then, will increase the likelihood of an emergent phenomenon; a coherent, high technology culture. Is this close to what you are attempting to get across? Keith