COHERENCE, CHAOS AND EVOLUTION IN THE SOCIAL-CONTEXT

The origins of coherence in complex systems are examined, and it is shown that mechanical equations of 'motion' are only temporary representations of the structure and organization present in the system at a given time. The precise trajectories of different factors, particularly in market economies, will be chaotic, or certainly sensitive and unpredictable. However, the main point is that evolution and change in the structure of the system are the most important feature. It means that any mechanical equations that have been derived to describe behaviour in the system, and indeed the taxonomy on which these are based, will change over time as new behaviours, new problems and challenges emerge in the system. These changes are essentially unpredictable, as is the expected time of stability of any existing structure and taxonomy. In other words, the equations of prediction, which may themselves correspond to a particular short-term chaotic trajectory, will only remain a valid description of the system for as long as the system structure is maintained, and this is only for an unpredictable time. Wisdom therefore is to be found in recognizing the limits to knowledge, and the new science should aim at understanding the significance of evolutionary processes as the true basis for sustainable existence.