Watts claims a network is, “a continuously evolving and self-constituting system.” (p29)  What do these terms, (continuous, evolving, self-constituting) actually imply or mean?

Watts’ idea of a network is that it is alive. The terms; continuous, evolving and self-constituting are all descriptions of something that has a life force. This would appear to be true, as the network itself, although there are many, interact with one another, with members and with connections – the network is alive.

Continuous means ongoing – literally, that the network is always active, alive.

Evolving means changing to better suit ones’ environment – which is part of being alive and responsive.

Self-constituting refers to the networks’ ability to develop itself – the many connections, ability to be continuously evolving and members of the network are what drive it forward – since these are all part of the network itself, it can be called a self-constituting entity.