Overview of Complex Systems
Complex systems science is a new field of science studying how parts of a system give rise to its collective behaviors, as well as how the system interacts with its environment. Social systems formed by people, the brain formed by neurons, molecules formed by atoms, the weather formed by air flows— these are all examples of complex systems. By using mathematics to focus on pattern formation, and the question of parts, wholes and relationships, the field of complex systems cuts across all the disciplines of science, as well as engineering, management, and medicine.
Publications, Books & Edited Volumes
Textbook:
Y. Bar-Yam, Dynamics of Complex Systems (Text online in pdf format)
Book on concepts and applications:
Making Things Work: Solving Complex Problems in a Complex World
Y. Bar-Yam, General Features of Complex Systems, UNESCO Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS, 2002)
Y. Bar-Yam: Complexity rising: From human beings to human civilization, a complexity profile, in Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), developed under the Auspices of the UNESCO, EOLSS Publishers, Oxford, UK, http://www.eolss.net, 2002; also NECSI Technical Report 1997-12-01 (December 1997). PDF file
Y. Bar-Yam, Unifying Principles in Complex Systems in Converging Technology (NBIC) for Improving Human Performance, M. C. Roco and W. S. Bainbridge eds., (Kluwer, 2003).
Y Bar-Yam and A. Minai, Eds., Unifying Themes in Complex Systems Vol. IIIA: Overview – Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Complex Sytsems, (Springer, Berlin, 2006). Y Bar-Yam and A. Minai, Eds., Unifying Themes in Complex Systems Vol. IIIB: New Research –Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Complex Sytsems, (Springer, Berlin, 2006). Y Bar-Yam and A. Minai, Eds., Unifying Themes in Complex Systems Vol. II – Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Complex Sytsems, (Westview Press, Cambridge MA, 2004). Y Bar-Yam Ed., Unifying Themes in Complex Systems Vol. I – Proceedings of the First International Conference on Complex Sytsems, (Westview Press, Cambridge MA, 2000).
Edited volumes: