The Nature of Complexity and Relevance to Pharmaceutical Sciences

Abstract

The ability to manage large data sets in real time has been evolving over the last 50 years. Prior to the advent of rapid, high-capacity computing capabilities, the approach to data analysis had been to develop analytical approximations from which metadata could be derived. As the potential to draw direct inferences from data has increased, a new mathematics has developed in parallel that considers the complex functions that underpin natural phenomena. Pharmaceutical sciences are a microcosm of the more universal trends in science and society. Since the first edition of this book, it has become commonplace to consider the data to wisdom paradigm. In fact, there have been NIH and NSF initiatives that were intended to capitalize on this view of data treatment in the hopes of developing new taxonomies and ontologies. The topic of nonlinearity in physical and information phenomena is not new but is of increasing interest in developing rational strategies to address drug product development activities.

General systems science discloses the existence of minimum sets of variable factors that uniquely govern each and every system. Lack of knowledge concerning all the factors and failure to include them in our integral imposes false conclusions. Let us not make the error of inadequacy in examining our most comprehensive inventory of experience and thoughts regarding the evoluting affairs of all humanity.

Buckminster Fuller, 1975

Synergetics, MacMillan Publishing Co, New York