Complexity and Postmodernism: Understanding Complex Systems

by Paul Cilliers

explores the notion of complexity in the light of contemporary perspectives from philosophy and science. The book integrates insights from complexity and computational theory with the philosophical position of thinkers including Derrida and Lyotard. Paul Cilliers takes a critical stance towards the use of the analytical method as a tool to cope with complexity, and he rejects Searle's superficial contribution to the debate.

Genres: Philosophy, Linguistics, Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 1998

Reviews

[Andrew Hatch]

Really loved the one the author breaks down complex system concepts, behaviors and attributes. Just wish I knew more about philosophy and linguistics as s lot of this stuff went over my head

[Brian Pinnock]

Hyper technical for the average reader. You must have an interest in philosophy of science as well as complexity science to even begin reading this. In addition be open to post-modernist interpretavist, constructivist etc philosophical views of reality and science.

Not an easy read but recommended.

[André Heijstek]

Very interesting book on complexity. Uses the human brain as main metaphor for complexity, uses neural networks as main model for complexity.

[Toby Newton]

My take: the reality of the world and all its relations defies our "summing it up". It is not a sum, it is not calculable, because the weights of its "components", which are mutually constituted and constitutive, keep changing. They change in ways we cannot altogether anticipate (though they are subject to patterns and constraints), and cannot therefore "bank on". What we can do is adumbrate on the basis of where we are at currently and how we got here, in good faith, with as much information and honesty as we can muster, but knowing that our deliberations are provisional and liable to further consideration as matters unfold. New modes with new weights can emerge or be revealed; existing nodes can shift weights; old verities can become outmoded or require new articulation within the system. This constant readiness to renegotiate the balance within the system is what exercising responsibility means.

Therefore, it follows that learning about both (1) the information and relationships that constitute the system and (2) the ubiquity of contingency and provisionality as the ground of being/becoming [be(com)ing] are equally vital.

[Per Berggreen]

For sure a book I'll come back to again and again. The interweaving with philosophy and proposition of radically different ways of perceiving representation in life and in the realm of complex systems linked to the theory of information technology - is priceless. Extremely insightful and equally priceless for anyone venturing into the domain of organisational development, and more importantly the art of organising.

[Mike Sanders]

Great book. First chapter and last especially brilliant. When engaging with complexity and postmodernism direct, is where it shines. Not convinced by the connectionist model on neural networks as being as reflective of the ideas in the book. Writing is dense but enough ideas exist that don't need a word-by-word read of everything else

[A.]

Need more context to form an opinion on this

[Geert]

Hardcore

[authorial]

what?!