Systems view, emergence and complexity

Abstract

PurposeTo describe a view of parts of the world as assemblies with emergent properties constructed from related properties or objects, and the modelling of production of emergent properties arising by chance or design.Design/methodology/approachOne and two place sentences of a homogeneous language are combined in a static state to show a variety of possibilities of new structures. Combinations of such sentences in a dynamic state derived from narratives that show how static states are produced.FindingsUsing Cartesian products and network theory the kind and number of new structures can be calculated. Semantic diagrams exhibit the propagation of dynamic states leading to the use of predicate logic statements as carriers of properties of objects with uncertainties.Research limitations/implicationsThe approach is based on linguistic analysis being able to encapsulate linguistic complexities, expressions of feelings, emotions, etc. in homogeneous language. Interpretation of semantics is restricted to human mind. Research may lead to a science and design of complex systems.Practical implicationsThe method embedded in the approach can be developed into a design aid for managers subject to its passing the test of debate and development of software.Originality/valueThe research has led to a more rigorous approach to the analysis and design of scenarios including those with human activities.

Recursive Ontology: A Systemic Theory of Reality

“…One rule generally acknowledged by all researchers is the law of emergence. The law of emergence states that the properties of the higher hierarchical levels emerge as the result of the interaction between the components of the lower levels (Korn 2007). This concept, based on the principle of self-organization of complex systems (Nicolis and Prigogine 1977), is of primary importance for the development of RO.…”

Statics and dynamics of hierarchy

“…A hierarchical arrangement can arise as a result of explicit aggregation of entities (Korn, 2009). For example, the functional elements "legs" and "top" each being seen as aggregates of specifically related material, geometric and numerical properties, the view of complexity.…”

“…Hierarchy may be seen to appear at the basic level of carrying out a task in accordance with purpose in preference to leaving it to chance, such as a physical task like putting on a shoe, steering a car or an intellectual task like writing a letter (Korn, 2009). Activities in accordance with purpose are pervasive in living, in particular human sphere.…”

“…The two regions are interfaced by a third region, which converts information flow into power (grade 2) and is called amplifier. Thus, we can see a graded subdivision of: objects engaged in handling power, information flow and amplification or conversion of information flow into power (Korn, 2009). A hierarchy may be suggested as: grade 1-grade 2-grade 3.…”

“…We may regard a term at a level of a hierarchy as a label denoting an abstract term of which terms at a lower are seen to consist (Korn, 2009). For example, in Figure 1, the concept "weather" is seen to consist of concepts nearer to …”