System Dynamics Glossary
What is the meaning of Emergent Properties (Emergence)?
Emergent properties (emergence) are properties exhibited by a
complete (hooked-up) system that cannot be exhibited by the parts
of the system in isolation (Kline 1995: 316). They depend
on interactions between components (including the environment). Consider a bicycle
composed of a frame, two wheels, pedals, a drive chain,
saddle, handlebars, brakes etc. The primary emergent property of dynamic
balance is only produced by the combination of the rider
and the bicycle. Only when human power, control and intelligence
(and a road surface) are added does the bicycle become
a means of transport. Take any one away and the
system falls apart. Emergent properties (emergence) therefore cannot
be predicted solely by looking at the components. See Flood
(1999), Kline (1995), Senge (1990); and Stevens, Brook, Jackson and
Arnold (1998).
Books Related to Emergent Properties
Karl-Ernst Schenk, "Economic Institutions and
Complexity: Structures, Interactions, and Emergent Properties (New Horizons in Institutional
and Evolutionary Economics Series)".
—More information on Economic Institutions
and Complexity: Structures, Interactions, and Emergent Properties (New Horizons in
Institutional and Evolutionary Economics Series)
"Emergent Collective Properties, Networks And Information
Biology".
—More information on Emergent Collective Properties, Networks And
Information Biology
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