A Minimal Model of Plasticity Across Disciplines
Abstract
Here, we analyse the concept of plasticity and its application in diverse research fields such as physics, neuroscience, and biology. Historically, plasticity broadly refers to a system's capacity to undergo lasting changes in response to external inputs. This concept has been separated from the concept of elasticity, where changes are considered temporary and reversible. Both concepts were originally developed within physics and engineering, where plastic change happens when a material crosses a yield point. We propose a ‘minimal model’ to unify the concepts of elasticity, resilience, and plasticity across disciplines by mathematically formalising the transition between elastic and plastic changes. The model defines plasticity as the system's ability to reconfigure its internal parameters when it crosses a yield point, changing how it responds to new inputs. The framework we propose provides a common conceptual tool to facilitate communication across disciplines ranging from engineering to history and art. It can be applied to explain crucial differences between generally applied but still vague concepts, such as resilience and adaptation in different disciplines. Therefore, the model provides a basis for interdisciplinary applications and further exploration of plasticity across disciplines.
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Article first published online: March 17, 2026
Issue published: March 2026
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Manuscript received: May 2, 2025
Manuscript accepted: January 30, 2026
Issue published: March 2026
Published online: March 17, 2026
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