Essay On Complexity Theory

Complexity Thinking

Complexity theory is, as the name implies, a way of understanding complex systems; it is difficult to understand. Complexity theory has evolved from studies in physics, mathematics, computer sciences, and biology, and is related to (and includes aspects of) chaos theory. A descriptive way in which we can conceptualise complexity theory is provided by Kevin Kelly, author of New Rules for the New Economy, who says complexity is, “to think like nature.” Another description he uses is, “You can’t make a plant grow.” (You can, however, provide the necessary ingredients for optimal growth, but, even then, it may not thrive, for who knows what the weather, or other random events, will be?).

Complex systems are non-linear – they do not follow a simple, additive “straight line” form of change.

Elements within complex systems interact with each other in a variety of non-linear ways – a single change in one element may result in several changes elsewhere in the system, and multiple changes in other elements may result in only a single change in a crucial aspect of the system, for example – and frequently involve feedback mechanisms – change in one element impacts another element, which in turn (through

Normative ethics is also distinct from descriptive ethics, because descriptive ethics is an empirical investigation of people’s moral beliefs, while normative ethics is concerned with whether it is correct to hold particular beliefs. As an example: descriptive ethics is concerned with determining what proportion of people believe that killing is always wrong, while normative ethics is concerned with whether it is correct to believe that killing is always wrong. Hence, normative ethics is sometimes said to be prescriptive, rather than