Process Physics: Quantum Theories as Models of Complexity

Originally based upon a pregeometric model of the Universe, Process Physics has now been formulated as far more general modelling paradigm that is capable of generating complex emergent behaviour. This article discusses the original relational model of Process Physics and the emergent hierarchical structure that it generates, linking the reason for this emergence to the historical basis of the model in quantum field theory. This historical connection is used to motivate a new interpretation of the general class of quantum theories as providing models of certain aspects of complex behaviour. A summary of this new realistic interpretation of quantum theory is presented and some applications of this viewpoint to the description of complex emergent behaviour are sketched out.