A note on the correspondence between complexity and systems theory

Complexity theory shares a common vocabulary with systems theory. Terms suc h as emergence, complexity, and adaptation appear in both traditions. Despi te the similarities, complexity theory is not a misnomer for systems theory . Several points of departure exist in complexity's research agenda and met hods. Moreover, while systems theory appears to have embraced interpretivis t and critical philosophies, complexity theory remains firmly in the positi vist camp, despite claims that it is a postmodern science.