Complexity in science: syntaxis versus semantics
Year: 1998
Authors: Arecchi F.T.
Autors Affiliation: Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Largo E. Fermi 6, 50125 Firenze, Italy;
Department of Physics, Italy University of Firenze, 50125 Firenze, Italy
Abstract: A definition of the objects of a science in terms of precise measuring operations M gives the objects a set-theoretical character whereby complexity, seen as a multiplicity of possible final outcomes, emerges. An adaptive strategy introduces a frequent readjustment of the M setting, which reduces that multiplicity. This way, an adaptive cognitive task can be seen as the extraction of a simple map out of a complex landscape.
Journal/Review: JOURNAL OF THE OPTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA B-OPTICAL PHYSICS
Volume: 3 (1) Pages from: 30 to: 40
KeyWords: complexity; science;
