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10.2.2 Mathematical Models of Emergence in Complex Systems‐of‐systems
Author(s) -
Baldwin W. Clifton,
Hostetler Stephanie,
Felder Wilson N.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
incose international symposium
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2334-5837
DOI - 10.1002/j.2334-5837.2013.tb03061.x
Subject(s) - complex system , computer science , system of systems , management science , risk analysis (engineering) , systems design , artificial intelligence , engineering , software engineering , medicine
This paper presents an analysis of five mathematical models of systems‐of‐systems (SoS) illustrating the potential for emergent behavior. Each case is examined to determine whether or not the resulting system behavior meets the challenge of “essential unpredictability” which would serve as a critical factor in defining the SoS as complex. We conclude that three of the cases provide examples of systems which meet all the criteria for System‐of‐system definition, but do not exhibit emergent behavior, while at least one, and perhaps two, of the cases lead to emergent behavior meeting the “essential unpredictability” test, thereby demonstrating the difference between complicated systems‐of‐systems and complex ones. Further examination of this relationship is proposed, and further questions for study are defined.