Complex systems theory evolved within the framework of general systems theory, mathematics, and philosophy in the 1960s and 1970s by integrating concepts from catastrophe theory, chaos theory, hierarchy theory, nonequilibrium thermodynamics, and self-organization theory. It aims at describing the behavior of coupled human and ecological systems characterized by a large number of components that interact in a nonlinear way and exhibit intrinsic uncertainties and adaptive propertiesthrough time. Such systems are referred to as social–ecological systems (SESs) and are examples of a broader class of systems defined as complex adaptive systems (CASs). An SES differs from a CAS as it explicitly recognizes the primary role of humans as driving force in shaping and modifying intentionally systems’ compositions and processes.
Retrospective Analysis
ZACCARELLI, NICOLA
Primo
Conceptualization
;PETROSILLO, IRENESecondo
Conceptualization
;ZURLINI, GiovanniUltimo
Conceptualization
2008-01-01
Abstract
Complex systems theory evolved within the framework of general systems theory, mathematics, and philosophy in the 1960s and 1970s by integrating concepts from catastrophe theory, chaos theory, hierarchy theory, nonequilibrium thermodynamics, and self-organization theory. It aims at describing the behavior of coupled human and ecological systems characterized by a large number of components that interact in a nonlinear way and exhibit intrinsic uncertainties and adaptive propertiesthrough time. Such systems are referred to as social–ecological systems (SESs) and are examples of a broader class of systems defined as complex adaptive systems (CASs). An SES differs from a CAS as it explicitly recognizes the primary role of humans as driving force in shaping and modifying intentionally systems’ compositions and processes.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.