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Interdisciplinary Approaches to Nonlinear Complex Systems pp 32–43Cite as

Philosophical Foundations of Nonlinear Complex Systems

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Part of the Springer Series in Synergetics book series (SSSYN,volume 62)

Abstract

The main problems of mankind have become global, complex, and nonlinear. Local changes in the ecological, economic or political system can cause a global crisis. Nonlinear interactions in complex networks have synergetic effects which can neither be traced back to single causes nor be forecast in the long run. Linear thinking and believing that the whole is only the sum of its parts has become dangerous. Individual responsibility for synergetic effects seems to be doubtful or at least questionable. Our ecological problems, for instance, are not caused by some bad individuals, but by the demand for welfare and economic growth of mankind. Thus we need new strategies to deal with nonlinear complex systems and to evaluate our actions ethically. Synergetics promises to deliver problem-solving procedures founded by the physical, chemical, and biological evolution of nature. In philosophy we have to analyze the conceptual foundations of this approach in order to estimate its interdisciplinary applications not only in the natural sciences but in the humanities, too. We begin with some methodological remarks on the principles of synergetics. Then the evolution of matter, life, human society, and the evolution of natural and artificial intelligence is discussed. Our philosophical aim are the ‘prolegomena’ of an epistemology and ethics mastering the problems of a nonlinear complex reality.

Keywords

  • Nonlinear Interaction
  • Synergetic Effect
  • Couple Differential Equation
  • Nonlinear Complex System
  • Linear Quantum

These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lehrstuhl für Philosophie und Wissenschaftstheorie, Universität Augsburg, Universitätsstraße 10, D-8900, Augsburg, Fed. Rep. of Germany

    K. Mainzer

Authors
  1. K. Mainzer
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Theoretische Physik und Synergetik, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57/IV, 70569, Stuttgart 80, Fed. Rep. of Germany

    Professor Dr. Dr. h. c. Hermann Haken

  2. Center for Complex Systems, Florida Atlantic University, 33431, Boca Raton, FL, USA

    Professor Dr. Dr. h. c. Hermann Haken

  3. Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195, Berlin 33, Germany

    Professor A. Mikhailov

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© 1993 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Mainzer, K. (1993). Philosophical Foundations of Nonlinear Complex Systems. In: Haken, H., Mikhailov, A. (eds) Interdisciplinary Approaches to Nonlinear Complex Systems. Springer Series in Synergetics, vol 62. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-51030-4_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-51030-4_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-51032-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-51030-4

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