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Causality, emergence, computation and unreasonable expectations

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Abstract

I argue that much of current concern with the role of causality and strong emergence in natural processes is based upon an unreasonable expectation placed on our ability to formalize scientific knowledge. In most disciplines our formalization ability is an expectation rather than a scientific result. This calls for an empirical approach to the study of causation and emergence. Finally, I suggest that for advances in complexity research to occur, attention needs to be paid to understanding what role computation plays in this experimental approach.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIRO, Marine and Atmospheric Research, Private Bag 5, Wembley, WA, 6913, Australia

    Fabio Boschetti

  2. School of Earth and Geographical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia

    Fabio Boschetti

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  1. Fabio Boschetti
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Correspondence to Fabio Boschetti.

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Boschetti, F. Causality, emergence, computation and unreasonable expectations. Synthese 181, 405–412 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-010-9720-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-010-9720-8

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