文章基本信息

标题：Emergence.
本地全文：下载
作者：John H. HOLLAND
期刊名称：Philosophica
印刷版ISSN：0379-8402
出版年度：1997
卷号：59
期号：1
出版社：Ghent University
摘要：Emergence is a pervasive phenomenon - found in contexts as different as games, seeds, and scientific models - but it has been little studied s<.!ientifically. An initial examination makes it clear that scientific models, particularly computer-based models, are essential to a deeper understanding of emergence. As a preamble to a closer look at the process of modeling emergent phenomena, the paper discusses different uses of scientific models. Then it looks at the critical role of building blocks (mechanisms, agents) in constructing such models. Many of the mysteries attending emergence can be reduced to the study of nonlinear interactions between building blocks. Particular emphasis is placed on the creative aspects of such reduction. The paper concludes by outlining the basic elements of models that increase our understanding of emergence.