title: Models' limits suggest reflexivity in nature.
abstract: A pattern may be seen among models from the physical, natural, and social sciences. The pattern derives from the hierarchical level of complexity of the phenomenon modeled, relative to the human modeler. Rigor decreases as models treat natural events progressively closer to the full complexity of the human. "Rigor" here is determined entirely by the conventional indicators of the scientific community; "complexity" refers to hierarchical level. This pattern of decreasing rigor is analogized to a limiting feature of formal systems: reflexivity. The scientific method of inquiry is observed to assume lawfulness in nature; lawfulness without reflexivity is suggested to be a dilemma. The gradient of rigor observed among models is suggested to be necessary, stable, and homeostatic. Consequently, reflexivity in nature is adopted as the most satisfactory metadisciplinary null hypothesis.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D010684:Philosophy; D012106:Research