903 research outputs found
Complexity and Philosophy
The science of complexity is based on a new way of thinking that
stands in sharp contrast to the philosophy underlying Newtonian science, which is
based on reductionism, determinism, and objective knowledge. This paper reviews
the historical development of this new world view, focusing on its philosophical
foundations. Determinism was challenged by quantum mechanics and chaos theory.
Systems theory replaced reductionism by a scientifically based holism. Cybernetics
and postmodern social science showed that knowledge is intrinsically subjective.
These developments are being integrated under the header of âcomplexity scienceâ.
Its central paradigm is the multi-agent system. Agents are intrinsically subjective
and uncertain about their environment and future, but out of their local interactions,
a global organization emerges. Although different philosophers, and in particular the
postmodernists, have voiced similar ideas, the paradigm of complexity still needs to
be fully assimilated by philosophy. This will throw a new light on old philosophical
issues such as relativism, ethics and the role of the subject
Complex Beauty
Complex systems and their underlying convoluted networks are ubiquitous, all
we need is an eye for them. They pose problems of organized complexity which
cannot be approached with a reductionist method. Complexity science and its
emergent sister network science both come to grips with the inherent complexity
of complex systems with an holistic strategy. The relevance of complexity,
however, transcends the sciences. Complex systems and networks are the focal
point of a philosophical, cultural and artistic turn of our tightly
interrelated and interdependent postmodern society. Here I take a different,
aesthetic perspective on complexity. I argue that complex systems can be
beautiful and can the object of artification - the neologism refers to
processes in which something that is not regarded as art in the traditional
sense of the word is changed into art. Complex systems and networks are
powerful sources of inspiration for the generative designer, for the artful
data visualizer, as well as for the traditional artist. I finally discuss the
benefits of a cross-fertilization between science and art
Mapping trajectories of becoming: four forms of behaviour in co-housing initiatives
In order learn about planning in a world increasingly characterised by resource interdependencies and a plurality of governing agencies, this paper follows the processes of becoming for two co-housing initiatives.
Self-organisation â understood as the emergence of actor-networks â is the leading theoretical concept, complemented by translation from actor-network theory and individuation from assemblage theory. This theoretical hybrid distinguishes four forms of behaviour (decoding, coding, expansion and contraction) that are used to analyse the dynamics of becoming in the two cases. As a result, information is revealed on the conditions that give rise to co-housing initiatives, and the dynamic interactions between planning authorities, (groups of) initiators and other stakeholders that gave shape to the initiatives. Differences between these actors become blurred, as both try to create meaning and reasoning in a non-linear, complex and uncertain world. The paper concludes with a view on planning as an act
of adaptive navigation, an act equally performed by professionals working for planning authorities and a case initiator
Information Apprenticeship: Integrating Faith and Learning in the Library
Librarianship is built on information. As we proceed further into the 21st century, librarians need to understand the concept of âinformationâ as it cannot be easily defined. This paper presents a brief overview of information theory and reviews several concepts proposed by non-librarians. Also, these ideas, when viewed from a Christian perspective can help our understanding of âinformation.â A review of related scriptures is also included
Can postmodernism contribute to saving the world?
As human beings, our future sustainability could be under threat if we continue to âtrash the planetâ. Sustainable development, suggested as a way of addressing the environmental, economic and social problems ahead, has fundamental implications for the governance of modern society. In a complex system, such as the Earth, linear analysis and rational planning are no longer considered appropriate, and new ways of understanding change are needed. Post modernism offers an alternative approach and a different way of perceiving the world and its problems. It is however, criticised as almost useless because its plurality of competing dialogues is said to undermine the basis for meaningful change. Revisionary post modernism may provide a way forward. This paper examines a theoretical approach to exploring discourses around sustainable development in non environmental, voluntary organisations using revisionary post modernism, based on a belief that in complex systems small changes can bring about major change and that voluntary organisations, working at a local level, can bring about change in their communities. It highlights how a post modern approach could contribute to securing a more sustainable future, by helping us understand the importance of local narratives in co-creating the future
The Next Fifty Years
Continental philosophy tends to be very textual, defined not so much by a set of problems as by a set of interpretive practices. We read Levinas or Irigaray and write interpretations of those texts. Of course, we do more than issue commentary; we think through texts, grappling with problems, concepts, and historical and cultural phenomena. Still, most of our work remains closely tied to texts. Consequently, it often reproduces a distinction between primary and secondary philosophical work that we might question. Nobody would deny the creativity of John Sallisâ or David Woodâs work or that of Debra Bergoffen or Kelly Oliver; they are doing philosophy, not just writing about othersâ doings. Yet, how many SPEP papers are on the work of Sallis or Oliver or Bernasconi, outside of author-meets-critic and book sessions? How many simply proclaim themselves to be doing philosophy, independent of any text
Law, Ethics, and Complexity: Complexity Theory & (and) the Normative Reconstruction of Law
My intention in this paper is a modest one, and a preliminary to more detailed analysis of the relevance of complexity theory to law. Accordingly, this paper presents an argument in three phases: it looks first at the nature of complexity and the philosophical grounds which, I suggest, inform a social theory of complexity; second, it ascribes characteristics which can be seen as constitutive of complexity, and applies those to the field of law, before looking (third) at how an acknowledgment of complexity can assist us in the process of normative reconstruction
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