Complexity paradigm is a scientific amalgam that aims to unite a range of theoretical perspectives and research agendas across natural and social sciences. Proponents of complexity paradigm lay claims to an increasing number of areas of study, includi...
Complexity paradigm is a scientific amalgam that aims to unite a range of theoretical perspectives and research agendas across natural and social sciences. Proponents of complexity paradigm lay claims to an increasing number of areas of study, including artificial life, interpersonal networks, internal/international patterning of organizations, mapping of cyberspace, etc. All of those can be subsumed under the title, complexity tum.
Owing to the idea of open system, complexity paradigm has developed a number of new concepts/themes/perspectives that help to account for the complex mechanism of living and non-living creatures. A complex system comprises a number of properties such as disequilibrium, nonlinearity, dissipative structure, self-organization, fractal geometry, autopoiesis, coevolution. Following a brief introduction to theoretical development, those properties are succinctly discussed.
The complexity turn has provided a wealth of insights that enable to analyze system operations of any kind. It contributes a lot to illuminating the working of social system as well. The most remarkable attempt may be Niklas Luhmann's 'neofunctional system theory.' Merits and shortcomings of complexity paradigm were examined and its future prospect were assessed with the conclusion that complexity paradigm would continue to be useful both as effective transdisciplinary framework and powerful analytical tool.