Universal dynamics, a unified theory of complex systems. Emergence, life and death

A universal framework is proposed, where all laws are regularities of relat ions between things or agents. Parts of the world at one or all times are m odelled as networks called SYSTEMS with a minimum of axiomatic properties. A notion of locality is introduced by declaring some relations direct (or l inks). Dynamics is composed of basic constituents called mechanisms. They a re conditional actions of basic local structural transformations ("enzymes" ): indirect relations become direct (friend of friend becomes friend), link s are removed, objects copied. This defines a kind of universal chemistry. I show how to model basic life processes in a self contained fashion as a k ind of enzymatic computation. The framework also accommodates the gauge the ories of fundamental physics. Emergence creates new functionality by cooper ation - nonlocal phenomena arise out of local interactions. I explain how t his can be understood in a reductionist way by multiscale analysis (e.g. re normalization group).