Emergence, (Self)Organization, and Complexity

Tune in for the live stream on YouTube or Twitter.

Abstract: 

In this second talk on balance, I will present some of the basic concepts used to describe complex systems, including various examples and applications.

Many complex systems exhibit emergence: properties at one scale that are not present at another scale. Self-organization can be described when the components of a system interact to produce a global pattern or behavior, without a leader or external controller.  Complexity is characterized by interactions. These interactions can generate novel information that is not present in initial nor boundary conditions, limiting prediction.

Even when emergence and self-organization are found in complex systems, they can be seen as opposites: emergence produces information, while self-organization reduces it. Complexity can be seen as a balance between emergence and self-organization.