Variable [A]; Modular Hierarchies
This variable can be measured by quantifying the stability of each module and the structure as a whole; the effectiveness of the mechanisms used to improve stability. Depending on whether you're a lumper or a splitter, there can be more or fewer modules in the hierarchy, and there need not be a single possible module at each level. The relevant moral hierarchy is as follows: Atoms=>Molecules=>Cells=>Organs=>Bodies=>Families=>Tribes=>Communities=>Cities=>Nations=>Civilizations. Complex systems are formed out of stable modules because only modules that can exist for sufficiently long enough times can they reliably be implemented into larger modules, as with the Watch Makers' analogy. At each modular step there are mechanisms that can stabilize or improve itself or other modules in the structure. These hierarchies exist out of necessity due to survivorship bias; we are focusing on structures that have these mechanisms because they wouldn't exist ...