Thinking in Complexity

Special emphasis is given to the evolution of new structures in natural and cultural systems and it is seen clearly how the new integrative approach of complexity theory can give new insights that were not available using traditional reductionistic methods.

This wide-ranging book provides a broad and unique canvas on complexity and complexity science at an advanced but non-technical level. The book skillfully combines elements from the history and philosophy of sciences with modern problem solving approaches to the ever growing list of systems in the widest sense. Emphasis is given to the evolution of new structures in natural and cultural systems and we are led to clearly see how the new integrative approach can give insights not available from traditional reductionistic methods. The fifth edition enlarges and revises almost all sections and supplements an entirely new chapter on the complexity of economic systems.

In this broad and unique canvas on complexity and complexity science at an advanced but essentially nontechnical level, renowned scientist and philosopher Klaus Mainzer combines skillfully elements from the history and philosophy of sciences with modern problem solving approaches to the ever growing list of systems in the widest sense, where the more traditional reductionist and deterministic approaches fail

Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
Introduction: From Linear to Nonlinear Thinking.- Complex Systems and the Evolution of Matter.- Complex Systems and the Evolution of Life.- Complex Systems and the Evolution of MindBrain.- Complex Systems and the Evolution of Computability.- Complex Systems and the Evolution of Artificial Life and Intelligence.- Complex Systems and the Evolution of Economies.- Complex Systems and the Evolution of Human Culture and Society.- Epilogue on Future, Science, and Ethics.