Abstract
It is a long-standing aim of science to search for the simplest rules that can explain the world around us. This chapter introduces the idea that complexity can arise from simple rules. Iteration in time and the interactions between many-bodied systems are explored as pathways to emergent complexity. Examples are drawn from the logistic equation, cellular automaton, and agent-based systems, as a way to understand phenomenon such as flocking, mob formation, period doubling to chaos, and segregation in urban areas. More provocative topics addressed are logical types, effectual and causal thinking, and what it might mean to have a point-of-view. The chapter concludes with questions for either reflection or group discussion as well as resources for further exploration.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Tranquillo, J. (2019). Simple Rules. In: An Introduction to Complex Systems. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02589-2_2
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02589-2_2
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-02588-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-02589-2
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)