What is Pericology?

A bio-inspired sentinel to anticipate and prevent dangers.

Foundation

Founded in 2018 by Jean Bourdin, Pericology is an applied discipline of peripheral anticipation of systemic perils. Inspired by the cooperative dynamics of nature, it translates the collaborative survival mechanisms observed in flora and fauna into practical tools for observing, analyzing, and decoding dangers.

Slogan : See first, stop first.
Symbol : A torch surrounded by a laurel wreath, embodying vigilance and resilience.
Etymology : From the Latin periculum (danger) and the Greek peri (around), Pericology evokes an all-encompassing vigilance in the face of risks.

A unique approach for a changing world

Rooted in validated scientific knowledge, it does not seek to predict the future, but to understand the dynamics of hazards in order to act proactively and contextually. It mobilizes local stakeholders—citizens, teams, organizations—to preserve the balance of their immediate environment, without relying on prefabricated solutions.

Dangers, whether biological (pollution, health crises), socio-cultural (disinformation, tensions), technological (cyber threats, AI), or systemic (economic collapses), are constantly evolving. Pericology tracks them by detecting their warning signals and analyzing their critical thresholds to avoid tipping points.

The dynamics of perils

Dangers are not static. They interact, amplify, or diminish according to complex mechanisms:

Positive loops : Amplification mechanisms where a danger self-reinforces itself.
Negative loops : Regulatory processes that contain hazards.
Tipping points : Critical thresholds where a peril becomes an irreversible crisis.

The dangers manifest themselves in different forms:

Ambient : Pollution, constant technological risks.
Diffuse : Disinformation, global health crises.
Premises : Natural disasters, social tensions.
Emerging : Risks related to AI or biotechnologies.
Invisible : Psychosocial threats, silent cyberattacks.

A simple and accessible method

Pericology is based on a three-step operational principle, designed to be used by everyone, from experts to engaged citizens:

Observe : Detect warning signs.
Analyze : Understand their causes, dynamics.
Act : Implement targeted actions.

These steps are based on three fundamental pillars:

Observation and modeling : Mapping the perils.
Proactive prevention : Act upstream.
Continuous adaptation : Adjusting solutions.

A bio-inspired and versatile discipline

At the heart of Pericology are two complementary branches:

Ecosynpraxia : Translates the cooperative dynamics of nature into simple tools for managing biological hazards, adapted to contexts where communication is limited or decisions are urgent.
Holopraxy : Holistic approach integrating biological, human, technological and systemic dynamics to address complex perils (socio-economic, technological, systemic).

These branches, supported by sub-disciplines such as Sociosynpraxia (socio-cultural perils), Technosynpraxia (technological perils) and Cyclosynpraxia (systemic perils), allow Pericology to offer versatile solutions.

Why Pericology?

In a constantly evolving world, where emerging and invisible perils challenge traditional approaches, Pericology offers a new way of thinking about resilience. Drawing inspiration from nature and mobilizing pragmatic human cooperation, it equips everyone—individuals, communities, and organizations—with the tools to anticipate and prevent crises.

Because understanding the dangers is already beginning to control them.

Main Areas of Study

Anticipating dangers through bio-inspired vigilance

Pericology structures its approach around key axes. Drawing inspiration from the cooperation mechanisms observed in nature, it offers a systematic method for detecting, analyzing, and countering dangers.

Observation of weak signals : Spotting the first clues.
Analysis of interconnected dynamics : Studying the interactions between signals.
Focus on local hazards : Prioritize immediate and measurable hazards.
Exploring Diffuse Perils : Anticipating More Insidious Threats.

Adaptation and Contextual Issues

Tailor-made answers for every reality

Pericology is linked to local contexts, to respond to specific challenges such as:

Climatic contexts : A coastal region vulnerable to storms requires different strategies than an arid zone threatened by drought.
Social dynamics : Each community has its values and tensions.
Technological challenges : A connected metropolis faces complex cyber risks, while a rural region may suffer from limited access to infrastructure.
Economic constraints : A fragile local economy, such as a single-industry town, requires increased vigilance on economic signals.

Interest and Relevance

Tailor-made answers for every reality

Pericology is linked to local contexts, to respond to specific challenges such as:

Climatic contexts : A coastal region vulnerable to storms requires different strategies than an arid zone threatened by drought.
Social dynamics : Each community has its values and tensions.
Technological challenges : A connected metropolis faces complex cyber risks, while a rural region may suffer from limited access to infrastructure.
Economic constraints : A fragile local economy, such as a single-industry town, requires increased vigilance on economic signals.

A Living Methodology

Collaborative and bio-inspired knowledge

Pericology is an applied discipline inspired by the cooperative dynamics of nature to anticipate and prevent systemic hazards. It is not a static body of knowledge, but a living, pragmatic, and constantly adapting methodology. It translates the resilience mechanisms observed in flora and fauna into tools for human, biological, and technological contexts.

History and Evolution

2022: Science-based methodology

Drawing on validated scientific knowledge, it formalizes its key concepts – positive loops, negative loops, tipping points – and its method: observe the signals, analyze the dynamics, act to prevent.

2023: Uses ecosystem research findings

It is rooted in the collaborative dynamics of nature, laying the foundations for a unique approach, with practical tools, such as Ecosynpraxia for biological hazards and Holopraxia for complex crises, applied to local and global contexts.

2018: The Foundations

Pericology was born from an urgent need: to structure anticipation and prevention in the face of violence and aggression.

2020: Develops the periphery of actions

Pericology broadens its scope to address a variety of perils: biological (threatened ecosystems), human (social crises), technological (systemic dysfunctions) and mixed.

Today: An Accessible and Pragmatic Discipline

In 2025, Pericology is developing its ability to translate scientific principles into concrete solutions. It is aimed at everyone—teams, communities, and decision-makers—with intuitive methods for anticipating critical thresholds and strengthening resilience.

Future Prospects

Deepening of Methodologies

Pericology continues to refine its tools, notably through Ecosynpraxia (bio-inspired solutions for biological hazards) and Holopraxia (a holistic approach to complex crises). It relies on scientifically validated collaborative dynamics, without conducting new research, to offer ever more tailored solutions.

Interdisciplinary Collaborations

To address the complexity of the perils, Pericology forges links with complementary disciplines: ecology, sociology, systems engineering, etc. These exchanges enrich its methods and broaden its impact, while remaining anchored in a practical and bio-inspired approach.

Pericology needs your perspective, your ideas, and your energy. Whether you are a citizen, a professional, a decision-maker, or just a curious person, you can contribute to its development .

Together, let's anticipate, collaborate and build a more resilient world.

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