What is a Complex System?

In this module we will be trying to define what exactly a complex system is, we will first talk about systems in general before going on to look at complexity as a product of several different parameters.

Examples of some definitions for a complex system:
"A system comprised of a (usually large) number of (usually strongly) interacting entities, processes, or agents, the understanding of which requires the development, or the use of, new scientific tools, nonlinear models, out-of-equilibrium descriptions and computer simulations."

The social scientist Herbert Simons gives us this definition; "A system that can be analyzed into many components having relatively many relations among them, so that the behavior of each component depends on the behavior of others."

Jerome Singer tells us that a complex system is;
"A system that involves numerous interacting agents whose aggregate behaviors are to be understood. Such aggregate activity is nonlinear, hence it cannot simply be derived from summation of individual components behavior."

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[jacobb]

this should have a million views honestly. the the fact that it is free, and no commercial interruptions makes it even better.
I cannot express more gratitude towards your cause and how eloquently everything has been put together, but thank you so very much.

[mrflinstone]

This is what we should all be studying in high school. I want to know about how these systems work: the internet, infrastructure, communication, culture, transportation, class structures, healthcare, etc. The emphasis we place on Euclidean geometry—when the world we live in is closer to a system of networks—is a prime example that we are not asking ourselves the right questions.

So many times I have traveled and found myself "connected" to these systems of mass transportation: getting on the highway, taking a bus or a shuttle, getting on an airplane and entering global air transportation, and thinking to myself, these systems are purely a result of human labor and organization on a massive scale, and are also a perfect example of exponential adaptation.

If we began to unpack these complex systems in our contemporary education curriculums, we would have a much larger grasp, understanding, and threshold for change & innovation in the world we live in today.

[rusty]

As a software engineer, I learned more practicalities from theses videos than most of the videos explaining specific software architectures principles. Thank you for the quality explanations on complexity theory.

[EE-huzx]

Yes, excellent clarity, cohesion and significance. Well done.

[bookhunterrr]

Working on a paper about CAS and is figuring things out. This has definitely helped me understand this concept even more. Thanks a lot!

[SystemsInnovationNetwork]

This video is an updated version for our complexity theory course

[dielqyo]

여기 한글자막 달아주신분 누군가요? 정말 덕분에 편하게 봤어요 감사합니다

[janikamahmud]

Thank you so much. it really helps a lot to understand better than those class lectures. thanks once again. God bless u

[williamzhou]

Thank you, this is indeed quality content. Leaned a lot from it.

[wondwessenhaile]

this video is basically helpful to designing complex system, thank u!

[empathematics]

Yes, thank you for this work; it's so well done!

[salmaelbourkadi]

This is a great video !! I’m glad I found your channel

[razanjohar]

I am master student
thank you so much for this video
i would be more thankful if you uploaded a video about how complexity theory relates to Education and supervision in details !
much love

[frncscbtncrt]

So interesting, will watch and rewatch

[tomashruda]

Tx for the video. Its just great, love it.

[SamuelGorman]

Awesome update. I loved the previous version, and this version is even more clear and skillfully arranged. Post video self-reflection: How can we use design to strengthen and empower communities that are economically and/or socially disadvantaged? How can we strengthen individual elements within the community and promote greater connectivity?

[Roberto_Narvaez]

I love your content both from your channel and website. Congratulations! Please, Could you let me know the software you use to make/draw the illustrations for your videos? Thank you very much

[muhammedcagrkartal]

it would be very nice if you could share some notes with the materials as well.
thank you so much by the way

[brendawilliams]

Take the ball and run. A great invention.

[lp]

Please suggest an accessible more recent introductory book on complex/dynamic systems