The Singular Nature of Emergent Levels: Suggestions for a Theory of Emergence Export

@article{citeulike:828149, abstract = {Suggestions are offered for a theory of emergence based on a clarification and new interpretation of the singular nature of emergent levels. These suggestions cover formalisms, formulations, and measurements. In contrast to mere collectivities, as well as the rendering of macro- and micro-levels in entropy formulations, order parameters, and distinctions in temporal dynamics, emergent levels are described as ” privileged” and ” confounded.” A discussion of the insufficiency of previous formalisms in dealing with the structural novelty of emergent levels sets the stage for the introduction of a new formal construct, that of self-transcending constructions. This construct is linked to the idea of logical depth as a complexity measure. The advantages of a semantic rather than information–theoretic perspective are discussed. In addition, the tendency to confuse levels in models with levels in emergent phenomena themselves is described. Finally, conclusions about emergent levels as a new natural kind construct are offered.}, author = {Goldstein, Jeffrey}, citeulike-article-id = {828149}, citeulike-linkout-0 = {http://www.springerlink.com/content/p1175375545v378p/}, citeulike-linkout-1 = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1019706410499}, doi = {10.1023/A:1019706410499}, journal = {Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology, and Life Sciences}, keywords = {complexity, emergence}, number = {4}, pages = {293-309+}, posted-at = {2006-12-18 11:57:17}, priority = {3}, title = {The Singular Nature of Emergent Levels: Suggestions for a Theory of Emergence}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1019706410499}, volume = {6}, year = {2002} }

TY - JOUR ID - citeulike:828149 L3 - citeulike-article-id:828149 N2 - Suggestions are offered for a theory of emergence based on a clarification and new interpretation of the singular nature of emergent levels. These suggestions cover formalisms, formulations, and measurements. In contrast to mere collectivities, as well as the rendering of macro- and micro-levels in entropy formulations, order parameters, and distinctions in temporal dynamics, emergent levels are described as “privileged” and “confounded.” A discussion of the insufficiency of previous formalisms in dealing with the structural novelty of emergent levels sets the stage for the introduction of a new formal construct, that of self-transcending constructions. This construct is linked to the idea of logical depth as a complexity measure. The advantages of a semantic rather than information–theoretic perspective are discussed. In addition, the tendency to confuse levels in models with levels in emergent phenomena themselves is described. Finally, conclusions about emergent levels as a new natural kind construct are offered. IS - 4 JF - Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology, and Life Sciences TI - The Singular Nature of Emergent Levels: Suggestions for a Theory of Emergence VL - 6 SP - 293-309 KW - complexity KW - emergence AU - Goldstein, Jeffrey PY - 2002/// UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1019706410499 ER -