Reframing Cognitive Science as a Complexity Science

Published on April 20, 2023

Just as a master weaver skillfully intertwines threads to create a tapestry, complexity science intertwines concepts from various fields to unravel the mysteries of natural systems. Complexity science provides a captivating toolkit, drawing from systems theory, nonlinear dynamical systems theory, and synergetics, to understand the inner workings of cognitive systems. It sheds light on emergence, nonlinearity, and self-organization, allowing us to grasp the complex structures and operations of the mind. By reframing traditional approaches, complexity science reinvigorates the study of cognition, providing a fresh perspective on how cognitive systems function. If cognitive systems are indeed complex entities like an intricate tapestry, then embracing complexity science as a fundamental component of cognitive science is imperative. Diving into the research article linked below will unveil exciting insights into the world of cognitive science through the lens of complexity.

Abstract
Complexity science is an investigative framework that stems from a number of tried and tested disciplines—including systems theory, nonlinear dynamical systems theory, and synergetics—and extends a common set of concepts, methods, and principles to understand how natural systems operate. By quantitatively employing concepts, such as emergence, nonlinearity, and self-organization, complexity science offers a way to understand the structures and operations of natural cognitive systems in a manner that is conceptually compelling and mathematically rigorous. Thus, complexity science both transforms understandings of cognition and reframes more traditional approaches. Consequently, if cognitive systems are indeed complex systems, then cognitive science ought to consider complexity science as a centerpiece of the discipline.

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