From Simplistic to Complex Systems in Economics

The applicability of complex systems theory in economics is evaluated and compared with standard approaches to economic theorizing based upon constrained optimization. A complex system is defined in the economic context and differentiated from complex systems in physio-chemical and biological settings. It is explained why it is necessary to approach economic analysis from a network, rather than a production and utility function perspective, when we are dealing with complex systems. It is argued that much of heterodox thought, particularly in neo-Schumpeterian and neo-Austrian evolutionary economics, can be placed within a complex systems perspective upon the economy. The challenge is to replace prevailing 'simplistic' theories, based in constrained optimization, with 'simple' theories, derived from network representations in which value is created through the establishment of new connections between elements.

The dimensions of personality in humans and other animals: A comparative and evolutionary perspective

This paper considers the structure and proximate mechanisms of personality in humans and other animals. Significant similarities were found between personality structures and mechanisms across species in at least two broad traits: Extraversion and Neuroticism. The factor space tapped by these personality dimensions is viewed as a general integrative framework for comparative and evolutionary studies of personality in humans and other animals. Most probably, the cross-species similarities between the most broad personality dimensions like Extraversion and Neuroticism as well as other Big Five factors reflect conservative evolution: constrains on evolution imposed by physiological, genetic and cognitive mechanisms. Lower-order factors, which are more species- and situation-specific, would be adaptive, reflecting correlated selection on and trade-offs between many traits

Personality traits and disorders in childhood. Clinical evaluation and diagnosis

Objective: aim of the paper is to examine the controversial issue of personality traits and disorders in childhood. Method: a literature review of clinical and research data was performed, and a conceptual synthesis was proposed. Results: although there are still few longitudinal studies able to clarify the evolution of personality traits from childhood to adulthood, a growing number of studies confirmed emerging personality patterns in childhood and the need for early intervention and prevention. after a discussion of clinical and research data on continuity vs discontinuity in personality disorders, we propose a conceptual synthesis of emerging personality patterns in childhood, conjugating both top-down (theoretical) and bottom-up (research) perspectives. Conclusions: the literature review showed that a deeper understanding of personality and mental functioning in childhood is still required and that emerging personality patterns and disorders need specific assessment and empirical derived classication that takes into account the developmental perspectiv

Life is an Adventure! An agent-based reconciliation of narrative and scientific worldviews\ud

The scientific worldview is based on laws, which are supposed to be certain, objective, and independent of time and context. The narrative worldview found in literature, myth and religion, is based on stories, which relate the events experienced by a subject in a particular context with an uncertain outcome. This paper argues that the concept of “agent”, supported by the theories of evolution, cybernetics and complex adaptive systems, allows us to reconcile scientific and narrative perspectives. An agent follows a course of action through its environment with the aim of maximizing its fitness. Navigation along that course combines the strategies of regulation, exploitation and exploration, but needs to cope with often-unforeseen diversions. These can be positive (affordances, opportunities), negative (disturbances, dangers) or neutral (surprises). The resulting sequence of encounters and actions can be conceptualized as an adventure. Thus, the agent appears to play the role of the hero in a tale of challenge and mystery that is very similar to the "monomyth", the basic storyline that underlies all myths and fairy tales according to Campbell [1949]. This narrative dynamics is driven forward in particular by the alternation between prospect (the ability to foresee diversions) and mystery (the possibility of achieving an as yet absent prospect), two aspects of the environment that are particularly attractive to agents. This dynamics generalizes the scientific notion of a deterministic trajectory by introducing a variable “horizon of knowability”: the agent is never fully certain of its further course, but can anticipate depending on its degree of prospect

BEYOND CRISIS RESPONSE: LEVERAGING SOCIOTECH-NICAL TRANSFORMABILITY

We investigate the organizational capacities required to leverage digital infrastructures both (1) in re-sponse to crisis and external threats, and (2) in realizing the transformative potential associated with the digital infrastructures. Thus, our research question is: What is required for organizations to be able to transform in the face of disruptions and breakdowns? We report from an empirical study of a digital infrastructure innovation process in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which involved extensions and novel development of both the technology and the former service model. While the literature on organizational resilience offers us a conceptual framework to identify organizational capabilities, we lean on literature that foregrounds transformability as a crucial aspect of resilience. We discuss organ-izational capacities which are considered vital in realizing the potential for transformative crisis learn-ing in sociotechnical systems that builds adaptive capacity and influences the enactment of future or-ganisational routines