Emergence is a phenomenon in which complex structures and behaviors arise out of simple components interacting in a system. It is a key concept within the field of complexity science, which strives to understand the dynamics of complex systems. Emergence is often observed in biological systems, where complex structures and behaviors emerge from the interactions of individual organisms, and in social systems, where patterns of behavior and organization emerge from the interactions of individuals. Emergence has been studied in the fields of psychology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and economics, among others, and is a fundamental aspect of many complex systems.
The concept of emergence was first introduced by the philosopher Alfred North Whitehead in the early 20th century. He proposed that complex phenomena arise from the interactions of simpler elements, and that these interactions are responsible for the emergence of new features and behaviors. Since then, emergence has become an important part of the study of complex systems. It has been used to explain a number of phenomena, from the emergence of life on Earth to the emergence of human societies.
Emergence is a powerful concept that can be used to explain the behavior of complex systems. It is an important concept in the field of complexity science, and has been used to explain a wide range of phenomena. By examining the interactions between the components of a system, it is possible to gain insight into the behavior of the system as a whole.
References
Bartlett, C. (2017). Emergence: The Basics. Routledge.
Coté, G. R., & Dupuis, D. (2013). Understanding emergence: Analysis, explanation, and emergence as a theoretical construct. Synthese, 190(5), 891-915.
Kauffman, S. A. (2008). Reinventing the sacred: A new view of science, reason, and religion. Basic Books.
Kirschner, M. W., & Gerhart, J. C. (2005). The plausibility of life: Resolving Darwin’s dilemma. Yale University Press.
Krüger, T., & Töller, A. (2016). What is emergence? In Multiple Realities: Philosophical Issues in Physics, Psychology, and Biology (pp. 181-206). Springer, Cham.
Whitehead, A. N. (1929). Process and Reality: An Essay in Cosmology. Macmillan.