Complexity is an emergent phenomenon arising from the interactions, relationships and co-dependencies between living and non-living systems. It is marked by a greater degree of interconnectedness, and an unpredictable ability to transform when patterns in the system change. A complex system is one that, due to its autonomous agents, demonstrates behaviors and responses which cannot be determined by logical analysis of inputs and relationships, making it unpredictable, but constantly evolving. Instead of being driven by cause and effect, powerful feedback loops between elements, constantly adapting in response to changing conditions, drive emergent behaviors. These, in turn, drive the dynamic adapting of relationships. This creative, adaptive complexity of relationships gives rise to unexpected conditions, complex behavior and wild dynamics.
See also: complex system, systems theory, relational process, systems thinking, double bind
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