Relationality
In theology , philosophy and systems theory, relationality describes a network of sometimes complex relationships. Relationality is used in a manner differentiated from a single occurring relation - precisely where the interplay of several relations, i.e. several relationships, is at stake. Therefore, the term relationality is used as a term for a structure or network of relationships.
An example from theology is that of Pope Benedict XVI. held attitude that God is a "being in relationship". On the one hand, this means that the three divine entities in Christianity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - are viewed as being relational to one another. On the other hand, the paradigm says that the knowledge of God through humans also takes place within the framework of a “threefold network of relationships of self, world and God”.
In the theory of complex systems , relationality describes a large number of interconnected (networked) and interacting parts, entities or agents. Together they form spatial or spatiotemporal patterns (structures or functions).
Particularly in the field of cognitive science , it is worked out that relationship networks or patterns only become such (see pattern recognition ) when they can be assigned or classified via a cognitive process of perception and recognition .