The Concept of Emergence in Complexity Science: Finding Coherence between Theory and Practice

The concept of emergence plays a central role in the science(s) of complexity. Yet while its importance seems substantial, its clarity is not. Some researchers provide only vague definitions of emergence, or define it by example rather than by providing necessary and sufficient conditions of application. Furthermore, a plurality of discordant emergence concepts can be found in the literature. In this paper we construct a philosophical framework in which consider candidate emergence concepts, later classifying them according to explanatory power. After clarifying which types of emergence are both coherent and interesting, we apply the framework to paradigmatic examples of ‘emergence’ in complex systems research. We also provide survey data about what SFI researchers and students consider emergence to be. We conclude that the emergence of interest to complexity science researchers is not the causally ‘interesting’ form of emergence which philosophers discuss; ‘emergence’ in complexity science, while intriguing to many, is still fully consistent with most forms of reductionism and does not allow for downward causation.