9 november 2020
Complexity Theory (web lectures)
A complex system is defined as one in which many independent agents interact with each other in multiple (sometimes infinite) ways. This variety of actors also allows for the “spontaneous self- organization”; that sometimes takes place in a system. This self-organization occurs without anyone being in charge or planning the organization. Rather, it is more a result of organisms/agents constantly adapting to each other. The complex systems are also adaptive (i.e., they always adapt in a way that benefits them). Another important concept in complexity theory is that there is no master controller of any system. In short, we have to deal with a lot of uncertainty and many actors with different interests. Counterintuitive: • Minor events can have enormous consequences because of the chain of reactions they might incite. • Major changes may have an almost insignificant effect on the system as a whole. The 3 web lectures which are part of this resource will explain the complexity theory, its importance for analyzing systems and the implications for decision making . After these 3 web lectures students will understand the characteristics of complex systems like positive and negative feedback loops, deep uncertainty, tipping points and the key implications for decision making (adaptive planning, close monitoring). This web lectures belong to a module of "The Next Generation Infrastructures Course", which can be found here: https://ocw.tudelft.nl/courses/ngi-2/.