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It is complicated! - misunderstanding the complexities of 'complex'.
Joachim P Sturmberg1, Carmel M Martin2, David A Katerndahl3
1Department of General Practice, The University of Newcastle, Wamberal, NSW, Australia.
Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice
|June 17, 2016
Summary
The terms "complex" and "complicated" are often misused in health sciences. True complexity describes interwoven systems, not just difficult problems, emphasizing scientific rigor through clear terminology.
Area of Science:
- Health Sciences
- Systems Theory
- Epistemology
Background:
- Accurate terminology is crucial for understanding and communication in health science, professional, and policy domains.
- The terms "complex" and "complicated" are frequently used interchangeably, leading to conceptual confusion.
- Lakoff's work highlights how language frames understanding and shapes perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the precise meaning of "complex" and "complexity" in scientific contexts.
- To differentiate between the structural characteristic of complexity and the colloquial understanding of complicatedness.
- To advocate for precise terminology to enhance scientific rigor in health-related fields.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the term "complex/complexity" based on its Latin origin.
- Distinction between structural (entwined/interwoven) and functional (emergent interactions) aspects of systems.
- Examination of the epistemological basis for scientific rigor in defining key terms.
Main Results:
- "Complex" refers to a system's inherent structural characteristic of being "entwined/interwoven".
- "Complexity" arises from the interactions between a system's components, leading to emergent outcomes.
- The colloquial use of "complex" often conflates it with "complicated" or "difficult to understand".
Conclusions:
- Precise use of "complex" and "complexity" is essential for scientific rigor in health sciences.
- Understanding complexity as an emergent property of interacting systems is fundamental.
- Clear epistemological foundations require accurate and distinct definitions of core concepts.
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