https://wikimd.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=EmergentismEmergentism - Revision history2026-04-26T06:11:48ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.44.2https://wikimd.org/index.php?title=Emergentism&diff=5794884&oldid=prevPrab at 14:18, 19 May 20242024-05-19T14:18:06Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[image:Figure1.gif|thumb|left]] {{Short description|Philosophical perspective on the nature of complex systems}}<br />
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'''Emergentism''' is a philosophical perspective that posits that higher-order properties, patterns, or behaviors emerge from the interactions of simpler elements. These emergent properties are not reducible to, nor predictable from, the properties of the individual components. Emergentism is often discussed in the context of [[philosophy of mind]], [[philosophy of science]], and [[systems theory]].<br />
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== Overview ==<br />
Emergentism suggests that complex systems exhibit properties that are not present in their individual parts. These properties arise from the interactions and relationships between the parts. For example, the [[wetness]] of water is an emergent property that arises from the interaction of [[hydrogen]] and [[oxygen]] atoms, which individually do not possess the property of wetness.<br />
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== Types of Emergentism ==<br />
Emergentism can be categorized into different types based on the nature of the emergent properties and the systems in which they occur:<br />
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* '''Weak Emergentism''': This form of emergentism holds that emergent properties can be explained by the interactions of the system's components, even if they are not easily predictable. Weak emergentism is often associated with [[complex systems]] and [[chaos theory]].<br />
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* '''Strong Emergentism''': This form posits that emergent properties are fundamentally novel and cannot be fully explained by the properties of the system's components. Strong emergentism is often discussed in the context of [[consciousness]] and [[qualia]].<br />
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== Applications ==<br />
Emergentism has applications in various fields, including:<br />
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* '''[[Biology]]''': In biology, emergent properties are observed in the behavior of [[ecosystems]], [[organisms]], and [[cellular processes]]. For example, the coordinated behavior of [[ant colonies]] and the functioning of the [[human brain]] are considered emergent phenomena.<br />
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* '''[[Sociology]]''': In sociology, emergentism is used to explain social phenomena such as [[culture]], [[social norms]], and [[institutions]]. These phenomena arise from the interactions of individuals within a society.<br />
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* '''[[Computer Science]]''': In computer science, emergentism is relevant in the study of [[artificial intelligence]] and [[machine learning]]. Emergent behavior can be observed in [[neural networks]] and [[multi-agent systems]].<br />
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== Criticisms ==<br />
Emergentism faces several criticisms, particularly from proponents of [[reductionism]], who argue that all phenomena can ultimately be explained by the properties of their constituent parts. Critics also question the explanatory power of emergentism, suggesting that it may be more descriptive than explanatory.<br />
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== See also ==<br />
* [[Holism]]<br />
* [[Reductionism]]<br />
* [[Systems theory]]<br />
* [[Complexity science]]<br />
* [[Philosophy of mind]]<br />
* [[Consciousness]]<br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
{{Philosophy of mind}}<br />
{{Philosophy of science}}<br />
[[Category:Philosophy of mind]]<br />
[[Category:Philosophy of science]]<br />
[[Category:Systems theory]]<br />
[[Category:Complex systems]]<br />
[[Category:Emergence]]<br />
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