Related Experiment Videos
[Scientific languages and the science of complexity]
1Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi La Sapienza, Roma.
Annali Dell'Istituto Superiore Di Sanita
|March 18, 2000
Summary
The study explores complex systems, moving beyond universal laws to irregular evolutionary processes. It highlights self-reference, multiple organization levels, and historical irreducibility as key characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Complex Systems Science
- Non-linear Dynamics
- Evolutionary Theory
Context:
- Shift from Galilean/Newtonian universal laws to studying irregular, unrepeatable evolutionary processes since the 1960s.
- Rediscovery of Poincaré's work on non-linear systems dynamics.
- Development of evolutionary thinking in advanced research.
Purpose:
- To define and characterize complex systems.
- To challenge the traditional Cartesian mind-body dualism in science.
- To illustrate the impact of this dualism on scientific development and medicine.
Summary:
- Complex systems exhibit multiple organizational levels, self-referential communication loops, and irreducible past histories.
- Gregory Bateson's work refutes the Cartesian gap between mind and body.
- Antonio Damasio's research on emotion and the brain reinforces this critique.
Impact:
- Challenges the foundational principles of traditional science.
- Highlights the negative consequences of the mind-body error on scientific progress, particularly in medicine.
- Promotes a more integrated understanding of natural phenomena, incorporating historical and systemic perspectives.