1/19/2024 0 Comments Define emergent phenomena![]() ![]() One could claim that this can be solved by focussing on the consequences of the actions of agents alone. There is thus a metaphysical problem when we try to differentiate the agent, their actions, and the consequences of their actions. Such lucky or unlucky actions were not anticipated by the agents, and are therefore not really included in the definition of agency. Agency is troubled when it comes to either acknowledging serendipity, or Murphy's law. Equally, non-anticipated consequences of actions based on causal chains are a problem in agency. a mere act that can be seen as serendipity is not part of agency. What is relevant to consider is that actions of agents need to be wilful, i.e. These are however difficult to be investigated from a methodological standpoint, although much can be expected from this direction in the future.Īnimals react to their environment, but do they also act intentionally? Source: pixabay This broad definition of agency will be ignored here, although it should be stated that the actions of some higher animals indicate intention and mental states that may be able to anticipate. Therefore, broader definitions of agency include the action-based adaptation of an agent to his, her or its environment, which includes also much of the animal kingdom. For instance, reflexes are instincts, and it is very difficult to track down whether such actions are intentional and contain assumptions about the outcome. There is a first disagreement whether an agent should have a mental state that is able to anticipate the outcome of the action, and such diverse realms as neuroscience and philosophy disagree on that point already. However, within different discourses and disciplines there is a wide variety of approaches that consider broader or more narrow definitions of agency. The most simple definition of agency that is widely considered to be most relevant from a methodological standpoint is that agency is defined as the capacity of an individual to act intentionally with the assumption of a causal outcome based on this action. Let us start with an attempt to show the diversity of definitions of these concepts. There are other concepts besides agency, complexity and emergence that are worth pursuing form the perspective of philosophy of science, but for the sake of simplicity and priority, we will only deal with these three boundary object here. Many would agree that people have the potential to have free will, just as all milk can be turned into butter. If I have for instance the world view that no free will exists, then this will also be a fundamental influence on how I interpret results from empirical inquiry of the actions of people. ![]() In addition, they strongly determine our fundamental and normative view of the world as well as the consequences of the knowledge we gain from the world. They are good examples of ideas that are most relevant within the philosophy of science. Since such concepts are binding the two realms of scientific inquiry - theory and practice - I call the three concepts of agency, complexity and emergence „boundary objects“. In short: This entry discusses three central elements of systems, and how we can investigate them methodologically.Īgency, Complexity and Emergence are three concepts that can be understood as lenses through which we can see results that originate in theoretical considerations, as well as information we access through empirical research. Note: The German version of this entry can be found here: Agency, Complexity and Emergence (German) ![]()
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