What does complexity mean for you?

Prof. Amir M. Sharif in Complexity in Finance discussion asked:

What does complexity mean for you?

When we talk of complex systems we normally mean systems or interacting components that have an impact and relationship between each other – and generally exhibit non-linear, unpredictable, sometimes volatile, ever-changing and emergent behaviour.

But thats the textbook – what are your views?

________

To me, a better way to view complexity is describing what we see in the real world, the physical subjects that are what scientists try to imitate with their models.  In nature and in the economy complexity is quite often observed as a property of the unexplainable organization of systems of nature that work by themselves. Continue reading What does complexity mean for you?

Arran Gare’s sweeping view: modern philosophy losing its way

re: Philosophical Anthropology, Ethics and Political Philosophy in an Age of Impending Catastrophe by Arran Gare, abstract & links

Arran,
Sometimes it’s a struggle to read all the way through philosophy papers… but really enjoyed this one.   I liked it both because its subject is quite close to my interests (what’s missing from or conception of nature) and because you describe the whole sweep of modern philosophy on the issue so clearly and comfortably. Thanks Continue reading Arran Gare’s sweeping view: modern philosophy losing its way