What is emergence and how does it differ from reductionism?

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Emergence refers to complex systems and phenomena arising from simpler interactions, contrasting with reductionism, which analyzes systems by breaking them down into their individual components. The value of emergence lies in its ability to explain properties and behaviors that cannot be understood solely through reductionist approaches. Key discussions highlight how emergent properties can lead to new insights in various fields, including physics and biology. The provided references offer foundational insights into the principles of emergence and its implications. Understanding these concepts is essential for grasping the complexities of natural systems.
cscott
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Can someone please explain the idea of emergence when compared to the reductionist point of view? What is the value of this idea?
 
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Try these first:

1. http://www.pnas.org/cgi/reprint/97/1/28.pdf
2. http://www.pnas.org/cgi/reprint/97/1/32.pdf
3. http://arXiv.org/abs/hep-th/0210162
4. R.B. Laughlin, Rev. Mod. Phys., v.71, p.863 (1999).
5. P.W. Anderson, Nature v.437, p.625 (2005).
6. R.B. Laughlin, "A Different Universe - Reinventing Physics from the Bottom Down" (Basic Books - 2005).

Zz.
 
I'll check those out, thanks.
 

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