Evolution, Complex Systems and the Dialectic

Bibliographic Data

ID12433688
AuthorsPeter Knapp (0000-0001-5904-8699, Villanova University, corresponding author)
Year1999
Pages74-103
Publication date1999-02-26
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of World-Systems Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1076-156X • E-ISSN: 1076-156X
PublisherUniversity Library System, University of Pittsburgh (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.5195/jwsr.1999.147
OpenAlexW2346762449
LanguageEN
References cited5

The status of large scale historical macro-theories is contested both in world-systems theory and in sociology as a whole. I distinguish three types of such dynamic models: evolutionary models, systems models and dialectical models. I define dialectical models as a family of complex systems models characterized by positive feedback (self-reinforcement or auto-catalysis). Such models lead to processes of accumulation and polarization, leading to system crisis. The games of Monopoly and Risk provide popular examples. This paper investigates the dynamic properties of three examples of such models: Myrdal's model of cumulative causation; Collins's models of Marxian transformations and geopolitics; and Chaso-Dunn and Hall's iterative model of world-systems transformations. A combination of evolutionary, complex systems and dialectical analyses has consideralble overlap with chaotic, far-from-equilibrium types of models and with analyses of complex adaptive systems. Such discontinuous, nonlinear dynamic models show great potential for solving problems of dynamic analysis both within world-systems theory and within sociology as a whole

Causation · Chaotic · Complex adaptive system · Complex system · Dialectic · Economics · Epistemology · Macro · Mathematical economics · Systems theory · Computer Science · Culture, Economy, and Development Studies · Economic Theory and Institutions · Philosophy · World Systems and Global Transformations · Artificial Intelligence

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access