|
 |
"Researchers on Complexity Ponder What It's All About," by George Johnson. Science Times, New York Times, 6 May 1997, page C1.
This article discusses the problem of developing a quantitative measure for the slippery notion of complexity. "A brain seems more complex than a kidney; a cell more complex than a crystal; a symphony more complex than a song," writes Johnson. "But how can the essence of complexity be captured and quantified in a precise definition that scientists can use?" Such a definition would have to be subtle enough to distinguish between complexity and randomness. In fact, some scientists see complexity as a "phase transition" between order and randomness, akin to the phase transition that occurs as liquid water turns to ice. Johnson's conversations with some of the leading thinkers in this area show that attempts to quantify complexity are still very much in the speculative stage.
--- Allyn Jackson
 |
Comments: Email Webmaster |
