Understanding Complexity

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xv

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2. Theories for Complex Systems

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1

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   2. The Systemic View of the World: ∫ Logo of General Systems Research

      • Anatol Rapoport

      Pages 3-6

   3. Systems Science Fundamental Principles

      • James R. Simms

      Pages 7-13

   4. A Cosmological Imperative: Emergence of Information, Complexity, and Life

      • Eric J. Chaisson

      Pages 15-17

   5. The Co-Creation Hypothesis

      • Hector Sabelli

      Pages 19-29

   6. What is Infodynamics?

      • Stanley N. Salthe

      Pages 31-38

3. Emerging Foci on Systems Research and Practice

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 40-40

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   2. The History on Sociocybernetics, RC51, of the International Sociological Association

      • Richard E. Lee

      Pages 41-43

   3. Systems Practice at the United Kingdom's Open University

      • Ray L. Ison

      Pages 45-53

   4. The WOSC and Some Views About Cybernetics

      • Robert Vallée

      Pages 55-58

   5. Presentation of Wiener Gold Medal to Dr. Candace Pert

      • Stafford Beer

      Pages 59-62

4. Human Systems in the 21st Century

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 64-64

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   2. On Misdirected Systems

      • Russell L. Ackoff, John Pourdehnad

      Pages 65-73

   3. The Complexity of Performance and the Instruments of Mastery

      • Paul C. Wohlmuth

      Pages 75-81

   4. Understanding Imperfection

      • Martin Zwick

      Pages 83-90

   5. Engaging with Transient Complexity in Development Projects

      • John Friend

      Pages 91-102

   6. Meaning Networks and Verbal Communication: A Semiotic Perspective of Human Discourse

      • Marcel Danesi

      Pages 103-118

   7. Can Religion be Reconciled with Science?

      • John F. Haught

      Pages 119-124

5. The Challenge of Sustainability

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 125-125

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Peter A. Coming Palo Alto, CA November, 2000 This volwne represents a distillation of the plenary sessions at a unique millenniwn­ year event -a World Congress of the Systems Sciences in conjunction with the 44th annual meeting of the International Society for the Systems Sciences (ISSS). The overall theme of the conference was "Understanding Complexity in the New Millenniwn. " Held at Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto, Canada, from July 16-22,2000, the conference included some 350 participants from over 30 countries, many of whom were representatives of the 21 organizations and groups that co-hosted this landmark event. Each of these co-host organizations/groups also presented a segment of the program, including a plenary speech. In addition, the conference featured a nwnber of distinguished "keynote" speeches related to the three daily World Congress themes: (1) The Evolution of Complex Systems, (2) The Dynamics of Complex Systems, and (3) Human Systems in the 21st Century. There were also seven special plenary-level symposia on a range of timely topics, including: "The Art and Science of Forecasting in the Age of Global Wanning"; "Capitalism in the New Millenniwn: The Challenge of Sustainability"; "The Future of the Systems Sciences"; "Global Issues in the New Millenniwn"; "Resources and the Environment in the New Millenniwn"; "The Lessons of Y2K"; and "Can There be a Reconciliation Between Science and Religion?" Included in this special commemorative volume is a cross-section of these presentations.

• Change
• complex systems
• complexity
• cybernetics
• development
• innovation
• management
• networks
• performance
• security
• technology

From the reviews:

"This book is a condensation of the plenary sessions at the World Congress of the Systems Sciences … . The most intriguing feature, however, is that practically all the contributions transcend the narrow disciplinary outlook. As they all have a common framework, it is easy for the reader to connect them. Thereby, new links can be established, and that is surely what innovation is all about. This unique feature makes Understanding Complexity a potentially rich and … invaluable resource for the future of science." (Markus Schwaninger, System Dynamics Review, Vol. 21 (3), 2005)

• University of Paisley, Paisley, Scotland

  Gillian Ragsdell

• University of York, York, England

  Jennifer Wilby

• Centre for Systems Studies, Hull, England

  Jennifer Wilby

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