LIFE, THE UNIVERSE AND EMERGENCE

Complexity theory claims to resolve the classic conflict between vital ists who believe evolution is externally caused by spirit or other vit al forces and mechanists who believe evolution is bottom-up, with surv ival of the fittest or adaptation as the key variable. In contrast, co mplexity theory asserts that evolution occurs through emergence. New v ariables naturally develop over time. Organisms, individuals and socie ties self-organize, ie they do not need an outside force to guide thei r growth. Thus, from simple conditions emerge complex conditions. This essay explores the meaning of complexity and its implications through a review of three recent books: Roger Lewin's Complexity: Life at the Edge of Chaos; Stuart Kauffman's The Origins of Order, and Mitchell W aldrop's Complexity: the Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Cha os.