Abstract
A number of elements towards a classification of the quality of emergence in emergent collective systems are provided. By using those elements, several classes of emergent systems are exemplified, ranging from simple aggregations of simple parts up to complex organizations of complex collective systems. In so doing, the factors likely to play a significant role in the persistence of emergence and its opposite are highlighted. From this, new elements for discussion are identified also considering elements from the philosophy of Leibniz.
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“This All, which is a good thing, the best that can be seen in the past, the present and the future, will be in danger of perishing; men will esteem it a burden; and then they will despise and no longer cherish this whole of the universe, incomparable work of God, glorious construction, good creation made up of an infinite diversity of forms, instrument of the will of God who, without envy, pours forth his favour on all his work, in which is assembled in one whole, in a harmonious diversity, all that can be seen that is worthy of reverence, praise and love.” (Coppens 2016).
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De Florio, V. (2017). A Few Reflections on the Quality of Emergence in Complex Collective Systems. In: Nemiche, M., Essaaidi, M. (eds) Advances in Complex Societal, Environmental and Engineered Systems. Nonlinear Systems and Complexity, vol 18. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46164-9_9
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