TITLE:
Evolution as Spatial Projection
AUTHORS:
Charles H. Smith, Ngoc Nguyen
KEYWORDS:
Evolution, Spatial Extension, Three-Dimensionality, Baruch de Spinoza, Conatus, Multidimensional Scaling, Entropy Maximization
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Geosciences,
Vol.17 No.4,
April
13,
2026
ABSTRACT: A theory combining explanations for the nature of three-dimensional systems and evolutionary processes is advanced, set to a geometric simulation, and then discussed in the context of several empirical studies bearing on its validity. The concept “evolution” is first discussed, then related to Baruch de Spinoza’s ideas on natural philosophy, including his concept of the conatus. These ideas are then extended by posing the possible existence of a general form of natural systems subsystemization leading to the extended space condition. A geometrical/topological simulation study projecting spatial relations among subsystem structures interpretable through entropy maximization and multidimensional scaling methods is presented, with results providing evidence of the theory’s merit. Finally, some past empirical analyses of natural and social systems that also yielded results favorable to the overall idea are summarized, and suggestions for further confirmatory studies are discussed.