Abstract

We propose a conceptual overview of the phenomenology of emergence, dealing with some of its crucial properties, representations, and specific inducing phenomena. We focus on properties such as compatibility and equivalence, and their interplay, as a basis suitable for hosting and inducing processes of emergence. We specify this interplay by considering suitable hosting processes, such as synchronisation, covariance and correlation, coherence, and polarisation. We then consider phenomena where such processes are considered to occur, providing suitable foundations for the establishment of processes of emergence, such as the establishment of attractors, bifurcation points, chaos, dissipation, domains of coherence, multiple and remote synchronisations, and multiple systems. We list properties of representations understandable as signs, clues, and possible trademarks of the coherence of interplaying compatibilities and equivalences. This interplay establishes processes of emergence, such as the presence of bifurcations, meta-structural properties, network properties, non-equivalence, power laws, scale invariance, symmetry breaking, unpredictability, and the constructivist role of the observer. Such interplay is considered in the continuing absence of a consolidated theory of emergence and within a new, generalised conceptual framework where theorisation is no longer considered as a necessary perspective. Finally, we briefly discuss issues relating to simulation.