## Tags - Part of: [[Systems theory]] - Related: [[Complexity]] - Includes: - Additional: ## Technical summaries - In [[philosophy]], [[systems theory]], [[science]], and [[art]], emergence occurs when a complex entity has properties or behaviors that its parts do not have on their own, and emerge only when they interact in a wider whole. - Emergence plays a central role in theories of integrative levels and of [[complex systems]]. For instance, the phenomenon of [[life]] as studied in [[biology]] is an emergent property of [[chemistry]] and [[physics]]. Maybe same for [[consciousness]] and [[intelligence]]. - In [[philosophy]], theories that emphasize emergent properties have been called [[emergentism]]. ## Main resources - [Emergence - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergence) <iframe src="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergence" allow="fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" style="height:100%;width:100%; aspect-ratio: 16 / 5; "></iframe> ## Content - [The Biggest Gap in Science: Complexity - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPUZiWMNe-g&pp=ygUQc2FiaW5lIGVtZXJnZW5jZQ%3D%3D) - [This New Idea Could Explain Complexity - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw9sr05Vtso&t=14s&pp=ygUQc2FiaW5lIGVtZXJnZW5jZQ%3D%3D) - [\[2402.09090\] Software in the natural world: A computational approach to hierarchical emergence](https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.09090) - [Sean M. Carroll & Achyuth Parola, What Emergence Can Possibly Mean - PhilArchive](https://philarchive.org/rec/CARWEC-6) ## AI Here is a comprehensive map of emergence across various domains and levels: ## Philosophical Foundations ### Ontological Emergence - Novel properties arising from complex systems - Irreducibility to constituent parts - Downward causation ### Epistemological Emergence - Unpredictability of higher-level phenomena - Limits of reductionist explanations ## Levels of Emergence ### Physical Emergence - Quantum phenomena - Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics - Self-organization in non-equilibrium systems ### Chemical Emergence - Molecular structures and properties - Chemical bonding - Reaction networks and autocatalysis ### Biological Emergence - Origin of life - Cellular functions - Morphogenesis and development - Consciousness and cognition ### Psychological Emergence - Mental states and qualia - Personality and behavior - Creativity and intelligence ### Social Emergence - Cultural patterns and norms - Economic systems and markets - Political structures and institutions - Collective behavior and social movements ## Characteristics of Emergent Phenomena - Novelty - Unpredictability - Irreducibility - Holism - Nonlinearity - Feedback loops - Multi-scale interactions ## Scientific Applications ### Physics - Phase transitions - Spontaneous symmetry breaking - Quantum entanglement ### Chemistry - Self-assembly - Supramolecular chemistry - Far-from-equilibrium reactions ### Biology - Gene regulatory networks - Ecosystem dynamics - Neural networks ### Cognitive Science - Embodied cognition - Distributed cognition - Artificial intelligence ### Complexity Science - Agent-based modeling - Network theory - Chaos and fractals ## Technological Applications ### Artificial Intelligence - Machine learning - Neural networks - Swarm intelligence ### Nanotechnology - Self-assembly - Molecular machines - Metamaterials ### Biotechnology - Synthetic biology - Tissue engineering - Bioinformatics ### Information Technology - Internet and World Wide Web - Blockchain - Internet of Things ## Philosophical Implications ### Mind-Body Problem - Emergentist theories of consciousness - Non-reductive physicalism ### Free Will and Determinism - Emergent agency - Compatibilist accounts ### Scientific Realism - Ontological status of emergent entities - Causal powers of higher-level phenomena ## Methodological Approaches ### Reductionism vs. Holism - Limits of reductionist explanations - Integrative and systems-level approaches ### Multi-scale Modeling - Bridging micro and macro scales - Coarse-graining techniques ### Complexity Measures - Information theory - Computational complexity - Emergence indicators ## Challenges and Debates ### Strong vs. Weak Emergence - Ontological vs. epistemological interpretations - Causal efficacy of emergent properties ### Downward Causation - Compatibility with physical laws - Mechanisms of top-down influence ### Prediction and Control - Limits of predictability in complex systems - Interventions in emergent phenomena ## Interdisciplinary Connections ### Philosophy of Science - Explanation and understanding - Laws and theories of emergent phenomena ### Systems Theory - Feedback and cybernetics - Hierarchy theory ### Information Theory - Emergence of information - Computational emergence ### Evolutionary Theory - Major transitions in evolution - Emergence of cooperation and altruism This map provides a broad overview of emergence across multiple domains, highlighting key concepts, applications, and ongoing debates in this rich and complex field[1][2][4]. The interdisciplinary nature of emergence research is evident, spanning from fundamental physics to social sciences and philosophy[1][4]. As our understanding of complex systems continues to grow, new insights into emergent phenomena are likely to arise, potentially revolutionizing our view of nature and society[2][4]. Citations: [1] https://iep.utm.edu/emergence/ [2] https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/properties-emergent/ [3] https://enterprisewired.com/emerging-technologies-benefits-applications/ [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergence [5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040162510001393 [6] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248497671_A_framework_for_mapping_industrial_emergence_Technol_Forecast_Soc_Chang **The Gigantic Map of Emergence** Emergence is a fundamental concept across various disciplines, describing how complex systems and patterns arise from relatively simple interactions. Below is an extensive map outlining the manifestations of emergence in multiple fields: --- ### **1. Physics** #### **1.1. Classical Mechanics** - **Fluid Dynamics** - Turbulence: Chaotic flow patterns emerging from fluid motion. - Vortex Formation: Emergent structures in fluids and gases. #### **1.2. Statistical Mechanics** - **Phase Transitions** - Solid, Liquid, Gas: States of matter emerging from particle interactions. - Critical Phenomena: Emergent properties near critical points. #### **1.3. Quantum Mechanics** - **Quantum Entanglement** - Non-local correlations emerging between particles. - **Superconductivity** - Zero electrical resistance emerging at low temperatures. --- ### **2. Chemistry** #### **2.1. Molecular Chemistry** - **Self-Assembly** - Micelles and Lipid Bilayers: Structures emerging from amphiphilic molecules. - **Polymerization** - Macromolecules forming from monomer units. #### **2.2. Chemical Reactions** - **Oscillating Reactions** - Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reaction: Temporal patterns emerging in reaction rates. --- ### **3. Biology** #### **3.1. Molecular Biology** - **Gene Regulation Networks** - Phenotypic traits emerging from gene interactions. #### **3.2. Cellular Biology** - **Cell Differentiation** - Diverse cell types emerging from stem cells. #### **3.3. Ecology** - **Ecosystem Dynamics** - Food webs and nutrient cycles emerging from species interactions. #### **3.4. Evolutionary Biology** - **Natural Selection** - Adaptations emerging over generations. --- ### **4. Neuroscience** #### **4.1. Neural Networks** - **Brain Function** - Consciousness and cognition emerging from neural interactions. - **Plasticity** - Learning and memory emerging from synaptic changes. #### **4.2. Artificial Neural Networks** - **Deep Learning** - Pattern recognition emerging from layered computational units. --- ### **5. Computer Science** #### **5.1. Complexity Theory** - **Algorithmic Complexity** - Complex outputs emerging from simple algorithms. #### **5.2. Distributed Systems** - **Blockchain Technology** - Consensus and security emerging from decentralized networks. #### **5.3. Artificial Life** - **Cellular Automata** - Complex patterns like Conway's Game of Life emerging from simple rules. --- ### **6. Mathematics** #### **6.1. Chaos Theory** - **Strange Attractors** - Chaotic behavior emerging in dynamical systems. #### **6.2. Fractal Geometry** - **Self-Similarity** - Complex patterns emerging at every scale. --- ### **7. Sociology** #### **7.1. Social Dynamics** - **Norms and Conventions** - Social behaviors emerging from individual interactions. #### **7.2. Collective Behavior** - **Fashions and Trends** - Popular phenomena emerging within societies. --- ### **8. Economics** #### **8.1. Market Dynamics** - **Supply and Demand** - Prices emerging from buyer and seller interactions. #### **8.2. Game Theory** - **Equilibria** - Stable strategies emerging in competitive situations. --- ### **9. Philosophy** #### **9.1. Philosophy of Mind** - **Qualia** - Subjective experiences emerging from physical processes. #### **9.2. Metaphysics** - **Holism** - Properties of the whole differing from its parts. --- ### **10. Psychology** #### **10.1. Cognitive Psychology** - **Perception** - Interpretations emerging from sensory inputs. #### **10.2. Group Psychology** - **Crowd Behavior** - Collective actions emerging in groups. --- ### **11. Linguistics** #### **11.1. Language Development** - **Pidgin and Creole Languages** - New languages emerging from language contact. #### **11.2. Sociolinguistics** - **Dialects and Slang** - Language variations emerging in communities. --- ### **12. Art and Culture** #### **12.1. Music** - **Improvisation** - Spontaneous compositions emerging during performances. #### **12.2. Visual Arts** - **Generative Art** - Artistic patterns emerging from algorithmic processes. --- ### **13. Technology** #### **13.1. Internet** - **Viral Content** - Popularity emerging from user interactions. #### **13.2. Robotics** - **Swarm Robotics** - Complex tasks accomplished by simple robotic units. --- ### **14. Environmental Science** #### **14.1. Climate Systems** - **Weather Patterns** - Complex climate phenomena emerging from atmospheric interactions. #### **14.2. Ecosystem Services** - **Pollination Networks** - Plant reproduction emerging from pollinator activities. --- ### **15. Medicine** #### **15.1. Epidemiology** - **Disease Spread** - Infection patterns emerging from individual behaviors. #### **15.2. Immunology** - **Immune Response** - Defense mechanisms emerging from cellular interactions. --- ### **16. Astronomy** #### **16.1. Cosmic Structures** - **Galaxies and Clusters** - Large-scale structures emerging from gravitational forces. #### **16.2. Planet Formation** - **Accretion Disks** - Planets emerging from dust and gas accumulation. --- ### **17. Education** #### **17.1. Learning Communities** - **Knowledge Building** - Collective understanding emerging from group learning. --- ### **18. Law and Governance** #### **18.1. Legal Systems** - **Common Law** - Legal principles emerging from judicial decisions. --- ### **19. Information Theory** #### **19.1. Data Patterns** - **Compression Algorithms** - Efficiency emerging from data regularities. --- ### **20. Systems Theory** #### **20.1. Cybernetics** - **Feedback Mechanisms** - Stability or change emerging from system feedback. --- **Key Concepts in Emergence:** - **Self-Organization:** Systems spontaneously forming ordered structures. - **Nonlinearity:** Outputs not directly proportional to inputs. - **Complex Adaptive Systems:** Systems that evolve and adapt over time. - **Criticality:** States where minor events can lead to significant changes. - **Multiscale Interactions:** Processes occurring at different scales influencing emergence. --- **Applications of Emergence:** - **Predictive Modeling:** Using emergent patterns to forecast system behavior. - **Design of Resilient Systems:** Leveraging emergence for robustness. - **Policy Making:** Understanding societal emergence to inform governance. --- **Challenges in Studying Emergence:** - **Interdisciplinary Approach:** Requires knowledge across fields. - **Computational Complexity:** Modeling emergent systems can be resource-intensive. - **Unpredictability:** Emergent phenomena can be inherently unpredictable. --- **Conclusion:** Emergence is a pervasive and unifying concept that illuminates how intricate patterns and behaviors arise from simple components interacting. By exploring and understanding emergence across disciplines, we gain deeper insights into the fundamental workings of natural and artificial systems.