Jeffrey Goldstein, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY

Abstract: Suggestions are offered for a theory of emergence based on a clarification and new interpretation of the singular nature of emergent levels. These suggestions cover formalisms, formulations, and measurements. In contrast to mere collectivities, as well as the rendering of macro- and micro-levels in entropy formulations, order parameters, and distinctions in temporal dynamics, emergent levels are described as “privileged” and “confounded.” A discussion of the insufficiency of previous formalisms in dealing with the structural novelty of emergent levels sets the stage for the introduction of a new formal construct, that of self-transcending constructions. This construct is linked to the idea of logical depth as a complexity measure. The advantages of a semantic rather than information–theoretic perspective are discussed. In addition, the tendency to confuse levels in models with levels in emergent phenomena themselves is described. Finally, conclusions about emergent levels as a new natural kind construct are offered.

Keywords: artificial life, complexity, emergence, entropy, formalism, formulation, levels, logical depth, measure, NDS, self-transcending constructions, semantics, theory