Agent
Something that takes part in an interaction & is subsequently changed; e.g. a person, a society, a plant, a student, the teacher
Attractor
Where a system tends to end up over time, if you plot successive points on its trajectory, which is often cyclical; e.g. a valley into which rain water flows after following many paths on its way down, or a wash basin.
Boundaries
A demarcation or barrier of sorts that allows exchange between a system and its environment. These are permeable to outside input; e.g. a cell membrane, cultural rules.
Chaos
The apparent absence of order in a system which is actually deterministic with hidden order. E.g. weather systems are often chaotic yet contain predictability
Chaotics
A blend of the theories and ideas about chaos and complexity.
Complex Adaptive System (CAS)
A non linear system with the potential for self-organisation in a permeable environment which at times is far from equilibrium. Evolution is based on its history. E.g. the immune system, stock markets, the human nervous system
Deterministic systems
A linear system in which later states are clearly determined by previous ones. In contrast to stochastic systems where future behaviour is independent of previous states.
Dynamic systems
A complex interactive system evolving over time through multiple modes of behaviour & following certain rules; e.g. the cardio vascular system.
Emergence
The arising of new unexpected structures, patterns or processes in a self organising CAS. e.g a jazz group playing live, learning.
Equilibrium
A system that tends to remain at status quo, unchanged. E.g. a traditional school?
Edge of chaos; far from equilibrium.
The conditions that lead to self-organising. E.g. a new set of institutional rules, cognition
Fractal
This is a geometrical shape that is irregular all over yet is “self-similar” in that the shape looks the same from all distances, near or far. A portion is equivalent to the whole system. E.g the British coastline, a cauliflower
Linear system
A system in which the variables plot a straight line. Predictable changes occur and a small change has a small effect. E.g thermostat
Non-linear system
Variables are represented by curvilinear patterns, and feedback loops have unpredictable effects, yet can be replicable. E.g Starling’s curve for the heart, weather systems, presidential elections
