TY  - INPR
ID  - cogprints4847
UR  - http://cogprints.org/4847/
A1  - Heylighen, Francis
A1  - Cilliers, Paul
A1  - Gershenson, Carlos
TI  - Complexity and Philosophy
Y1  - 2006///
N2  - The science of complexity is based on a new way of thinking that
stands in sharp contrast to the philosophy underlying Newtonian science, which is
based on reductionism, determinism, and objective knowledge. This paper reviews
the historical development of this new world view, focusing on its philosophical
foundations. Determinism was challenged by quantum mechanics and chaos theory.
Systems theory replaced reductionism by a scientifically based holism. Cybernetics
and postmodern social science showed that knowledge is intrinsically subjective.
These developments are being integrated under the header of ?complexity science?.
Its central paradigm is the multi-agent system. Agents are intrinsically subjective
and uncertain about their environment and future, but out of their local interactions,
a global organization emerges. Although different philosophers, and in particular the
postmodernists, have voiced similar ideas, the paradigm of complexity still needs to
be fully assimilated by philosophy. This will throw a new light on old philosophical
issues such as relativism, ethics and the role of the subject.
PB  - Radcliffe
AV  - public
ER  -

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