​Complexity Theory:
Five Core Ideas
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1. Emergence: Complex systems can exhibit properties that are not present in any of their individual components. These "emergent" properties arise from the intricate interactions between the parts. Think of a flock of birds: each bird flies individually, but the flock as a whole exhibits coordinated movement and patterns that wouldn't exist without the collective interaction.

2. Non-linearity: Traditional scientific approaches often rely on linear equations to predict outcomes. However, complex systems often behave non-linearly, meaning small changes can have disproportionately large and unpredictable effects. This makes it difficult to accurately predict how the system will evolve based on its current state.

3. Feedback loops: Complex systems are characterized by interconnected feedback loops, where the output of one process becomes the input for another. These loops can amplify effects, creating positive or negative feedback depending on the system's design. For example, a small decrease in temperature in a self-regulating heating system can trigger feedback that leads to increased heating, eventually stabilizing the temperature.

4. Adaptation and evolution: Complex systems have the ability to adapt and evolve in response to their environment. This includes individual components changing their behavior or the system reconfiguring its own structure. This adaptability allows them to persist and thrive in dynamic environments.

5. Self-organization: Unlike systems controlled by central forces, complex systems often exhibit self-organization. This means the system's overall structure and behavior emerge from the interactions of its parts without the need for external direction. Think of an ant colony, where individual ants follow simple rules that collectively create a complex and organized colony structure.

The Zen of Complexity

from google bard
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1. Finding Order in Chaos: Just like Zen practices cultivate awareness of the ever-changing present, appreciating the Zen of complexity involves looking beyond the surface level of chaotic interactions and recognizing the underlying patterns and order within. For example, observing the dance of a flock of birds might initially seem random, but appreciating the simple rules guiding their movements allows us to find beauty and order in the midst of apparent disorder.

2. Non-Attachment to Outcomes: A core tenet of Zen is non-attachment, letting go of desires for specific outcomes and instead focusing on the process itself. Similarly, embracing the Zen of complexity involves accepting the inherent unpredictability of these systems and letting go of the need for absolute control. We can observe and interact with them, but recognize that the future ultimately unfolds in its own way, not necessarily aligned with our expectations.

3. Living in the Flow: Zen emphasizes living in the flow of the present moment. Applying this to complex systems invites us to be present with their unfolding dynamics, appreciating the constant emergence of new patterns and possibilities. Instead of resisting the inherent fluidity, we can learn to navigate and adapt to the changes, like a surfer riding the waves.

4. Simplicity within the Intricate: Simplicity and complexity are not necessarily opposing forces. Zen reminds us that within the intricate network of interconnected elements, lies a fundamental simplicity. It could be the underlying rules governing their interactions, the core principles influencing their behavior, or the basic elements that combine to create an astonishing diversity.

5. Beauty in the Unknowable: Zen encourages acceptance of the mystery inherent in existence. Just as the universe contains vast unknowns, complex systems often defy complete understanding. Embracing the Zen of complexity means appreciating the beauty and wonder in the aspects that remain beyond our full grasp.

Ultimately, the Zen of complexity is a state of mind, a perspective that acknowledges the intricate dynamics of our world while fostering a sense of calmness and acceptance. It's about finding wonder in the dance of interconnectedness, learning to navigate the unfolding present, and appreciating the beauty in both the known and the unknown.

​Self-Organization and Agency:
In Chemistry and in Process Philosophy

by Joseph E. Earley

Professor of Chemistry, Georgetown University

Self-Organization and Agency: In Chemistry and In Process Philosophy

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Complexity

In Our Time
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Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss complexity and how it can help us understand the world around us. When living beings come together and act in a group, they do so in complicated and unpredictable ways: societies often behave very differently from the individuals within them. Complexity was a phenomenon little understood a generation ago, but research into complex systems now has important applications in many different fields, from biology to political science. Today it is being used to explain how birds flock,to predict traffic flow in cities and to study the spread of diseases.


With:
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Ian Stewart
Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at the University of Warwick

Jeff Johnson
Professor of Complexity Science and Design at the Open University

Professor Eve Mitleton-Kelly
Director of the Complexity Research Group at the London School of Economics.
Producer: Thomas Morris.

Philosophical Issues

from google bard
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​While Complexity Theory itself remains a burgeoning field of scientific inquiry, its rich potential has already sparked vibrant philosophical debate, leading to several distinct schools of interpretation:

1. Reductionism vs. Holism:

• Reductionists: This camp argues that complex systems can be understood by breaking them down into their atomic parts and studying their interactions. They view complexity as an emergent property arising from simpler underlying mechanics. Key thinkers include Daniel Dennett and Mario Bunge.
• Holism: This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness and inherent wholeness of complex systems. They argue that emergent properties cannot be fully grasped by simply analyzing individual components and require understanding the system's dynamics as a whole. Key figures include Ilya Prigogine and Edgar Morin.

2. Determinism vs. Indeterminacy:

• Determinists: This school maintains that complex systems, despite their apparent stochasticity, still operate within deterministic laws. They believe that with sufficient knowledge, future states could be predicted. Key thinkers include John von Neumann and Stephen Wolfram.
• Indeterminists: This perspective contends that inherent randomness and open-endedness are fundamental aspects of complex systems. They argue that complete predictability is impossible due to the interplay of numerous, often non-linear, factors. Key figures include Stuart Kauffman and Henry Stapp.

3. Objectivism vs. Subjectivism:

• Objectivists: This camp asserts that complex systems have an objective reality independent of the observer. They believe that complexity can be studied and understood using scientific methods that transcend individual perspectives. Key thinkers include Alan Turing and Gregory Chaitin.
• Subjectivists: This perspective emphasizes the role of the observer in constructing knowledge about complex systems. They argue that complexity is inherently subjective and dependent on the chosen framework and interpretation. Key thinkers include Heinz von Foerster and Humberto Maturana.

4. Critical Perspectives:
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• Critical Complexity: This framework seeks to apply complexity theory to critically examine social structures and power dynamics. It highlights the limitations of traditional reductionist approaches and calls for a more nuanced understanding of how complex systems can perpetuate inequalities. Key thinkers include Paul Cilliers and Karen Barad.
• Postmodern Complexity: This approach draws on postmodern philosophy to question the objectivity and neutrality of complexity theory. It emphasizes the role of language, discourse, and power in shaping our understanding of complex systems. Key thinkers include Manuel DeLanda and Katherine Hayles.

​These are just some of the major philosophical schools interpreting complexity theory. It's important to note that these perspectives are not mutually exclusive, and often overlap and interweave in fruitful dialogues. As complexity theory continues to evolve, so too will our philosophical interpretations, fostering deeper understanding of these intricate and fascinating systems.

Ilya Prigogine

​Ilya Prigogine was a renowned Belgian physical chemist who made significant contributions to the field of non-equilibrium thermodynamics and the study of dissipative structures. Some of the core ideas in his thought include:
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1. Dissipative Structures: Prigogine's work focused on systems that are far from equilibrium, where energy and matter flow through the system, leading to the emergence of new structures and patterns. He introduced the concept of "dissipative structures," which are self-organizing, dynamic patterns that arise in such systems. These structures are maintained by the continuous flow of energy and matter through the system and are a hallmark of complexity.
2. Irreversibility and Time's Arrow: Prigogine's research emphasized the irreversibility of processes in far-from-equilibrium systems. He showed that the arrow of time, or the direction of irreversible processes, is intimately connected to the emergence of dissipative structures and the increase in system complexity. This challenged the traditional view of thermodynamics, which often focused on equilibrium states and reversible processes.
3. The Second Law of Thermodynamics: Prigogine's work expanded our understanding of the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that entropy tends to increase in isolated systems. He showed that in open systems, such as those far from equilibrium, new structures and order can emerge, even as entropy increases within the system. This idea challenged the traditional interpretation of the Second Law as a purely entropic increase.
4. Complexity and Nonlinearity: Prigogine's research highlighted the role of nonlinearity in complex systems. He demonstrated that nonlinear interactions could give rise to unexpected and intricate behavior in physical and chemical systems. This emphasis on nonlinearity and complexity paved the way for the development of chaos theory and the study of complex systems in various disciplines.
5. New Paradigm for Science: Prigogine's work had a profound impact on the philosophy of science. He argued that the traditional reductionist approach, which breaks down complex systems into simpler parts, was insufficient to understand the behavior of complex, self-organizing systems. Instead, he advocated for a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to study complex phenomena.
6. Contributions to Chemistry and Biology: Prigogine's ideas have had implications in various fields, including chemistry, biology, physics, and beyond. His work on dissipative structures and non-equilibrium thermodynamics has been applied to understand chemical reactions, biological processes, and ecological systems, among others.

Overall, Ilya Prigogine's core ideas revolutionized our understanding of complex systems, non-equilibrium thermodynamics, and the emergence of order in dynamic, open systems. His work continues to influence diverse fields of science and has paved the way for the study of complexity and self-organization.