Complex Sciences. First International Conference, Complex 2009, Shanghai, China, February 23-25, 2009, Revised Papers, Part 2

Research Article

Emergence and Simulation

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  • @INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-642-02469-6_75,
        author={Alan Baker},
        title={Emergence and Simulation},
        proceedings={Complex Sciences. First International Conference, Complex 2009, Shanghai, China, February 23-25, 2009, Revised Papers, Part 2},
        proceedings_a={COMPLEX PART 2},
        year={2012},
        month={5},
        keywords={emergence simulation explanation},
        doi={10.1007/978-3-642-02469-6_75}
    }
    
  • Alan Baker
    Year: 2012
    Emergence and Simulation
    COMPLEX PART 2
    Springer
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-02469-6_75
Alan Baker1,*
  • 1: Swarthmore College
*Contact email: abaker1@swarthmore.edu

Abstract

One approach to characterizing the elusive notion of emergence is to define that a property is emergent if and only if its presence can be derived but only by simulation. In this paper I investigate the pros and cons of this approach, focusing in particular on whether an appropriately distinct boundary can be drawn between simulation-based and non-simulation-based methods. I also examine the implications of this definition for the epistemological role of emergent properties in prediction and in explanation.