A complex system is a dynamic network of interrelated, interdependent components whose collective behaviors and properties emerge unpredictably from interactions within and with the environment. In Nora Bateson's terms, it is not merely the sum of its parts but a vibrant, evolving process in which each element is constantly in flux, shaped by reciprocal influences and multiple contexts. These systems exemplify a symbiotic dance of coherence and entropy, where patterns, relationships, and feedback loops create unpredictable outcomes that defy linear understanding. Their richness lies in their relationality, highlighting the importance of considering the nuanced, interwoven narrative that each part contributes to the whole's unfolding story.

See also: complexity, systems theory, systems thinking, systems change