System Dynamics Glossary
What is the meaning of Complexity Theory?
Complexity theory begins by acknowledging the interrelated nature
of things as well as emergence, where the whole is
experienced as greater than the sum of the parts. Complexity
theory recognises a special form or emergence called
spontaneous self-organisation. What exactly gives rise to spontaneous self-organisation is
difficult if not impossible to know, at least by the
human mind. Complexity theory appreciates the world as
a whole, comprising many, many interrelationships expressed as endless occurrences
of spontaneous self-organisation. The great extent and dynamic nature of
the interrelationships and spontaneous self-organisation means that is it is
only possible for us to get to grips with some
things and only those that are local to us in
space and time (Flood, 1999: 2). Complexity theory
(Kaufman, 1995; Axelrod, 1997; Holland 1998) as an emerging field
of study has evolved from five major knowledge areas: mathematics,
physics, biology, organisational science, and computational intelligence and engineering.
Books Related
to Complexity Theory
John E. Hopcroft, Rajeev Motwani and Jeffrey D.
Ullman, "Introduction to Automata Theory, Languages, and Computation (2nd Edition)".
—More information on Introduction to Automata Theory, Languages, and
Computation (2nd Edition)
Michael Sipser, "Introduction to the Theory of Computation".
—More information on Introduction to the Theory of Computation
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