An information-theoretic primer on complexity, self-organization, and emergence

Authors:
Mikhail Prokopenko;Fabio Boschetti;Alex J. Ryan
Affiliations:
Information and Communication Technologies Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia;Marine and Atmospheric Research, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Floreat, West Australia, Australia and the School of Earth and Geographical Sciences at the Universit ...;Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Edinburgh, South Australia, Australia
Venue:
Complexity
Year:
2009

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Abstract

Complex Systems Science aims to understand concepts like complexity, self-organization, emergence and adaptation, among others. The inherent fuzziness in complex systems definitions is complicated by the unclear relation among these central processes: does self-organisation emerge or does it set the preconditions for emergence? Does complexity arise by adaptation or is complexity necessary for adaptation to arise? The inevitable consequence of the current impasse is miscommunication among scientists within and across disciplines. We propose a set of concepts, together with their possible information-theoretic interpretations, which can be used to facilitate the Complex Systems Science discourse. Our hope is that the suggested information-theoretic baseline may promote consistent communications among practitioners, and provide new insights into the field. Published 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2009 This article was submitted as an invited paper resulting from the “Understanding Complex Systems” conference held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 2007.