Physics and emergence
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Authors
Tonsing, Detlev
Issue Date
2013-11
Type
Book chapter
Language
en
Keywords
Physics , Emergence
Alternative Title
Abstract
This paper does three things: It distinguishes between weak and strong emergence; It sketches arguments proposed
against strong emergence, and adumbrates a counter; It sketches the physical characteristics that strongly emergent
systems need to arise.
It argues that strong emergence is a necessary presupposition for the reality of the academic debate, as, without this
preupposition, the debate is meaningless. It argues that strong emergence can arise in systems that involve folding
properties, with multiple, non-contiguous micro-realisations of macro-states, sensitive dependence on external
conditions, open interaction with an environment, non-linearity, and feedback loops.
Description
Peer reviewed
Citation
South African Science and Religion Forum Conference papers - Chance, causality, emergence: Interdisciplinary perspectives, pp 21-29
Publisher
Research Institute for Theology and Religion