What is Complexity? - The philosophy of complexity per se with application to some examples in evolution

Contents

Contents

Abstract

1 - Introduction

2 - Complexity as a paradigm

3 - What can complexity usefully refer to?

4 - Some concepts related to complexity

4.1 - Size

4.2 - Ignorance

4.3 - Minimum description size

4.4 - Variety

4.5 - Order and disorder

5 - A proposed definition of complexity

6 - Relation to other definitions of complexity

6.1 - Computational Complexity

6.2 - Kolmogorov Complexity

6.3 - Bennett's Logical Depth

6.4 - Löfgren's Interpretation and Descriptive Complexity

6.5 - Kauffman's number of conflicting constraints

7 - Complexity and biological evolution

7.1 - What is the complexity that has evolved in organisms?

7.2 - Does complexity increase over evolution?

7.2.1 - Co-evolution

7.2.2 - Co-adaptation

7.2.3 - Inherent Self-organisation

7.2.4 - Meta-system transitions

7.3 - Do systems necessarily filter out complexity?

8 - Conclusion

Acknowledgements

References

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