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What is Emergence?

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Emergence is when structured big things evolve from little things without coordination or organization. It can occur with interactions defined by time, chemical properties, energy such as weather and complexity such as life and technology. The following are common examples.

Snowflakes

Snowflakes are spontaneously formed by the freezing of falling water yet demonstrate intricate fractal patterns that can be symmetrical.

Ecosystems

Ecosystems emerge from the independent interaction of various species, geographical features and weather systems. Nevertheless, they may demonstrate clock-like timing and structures such as food chains that are remarkably efficient.

Cities

Historically, many cities emerged without planning from the independent actions of land owners, neighborhoods and citizens. In many cases, emergent features of cities such as old neighborhoods with narrow streets are considered more attractive than modern areas that have been centrally planned.

Markets

Stock markets set accurate prices that represent the future earnings potential of firms using the independent decisions of investors competing for alpha.

Internet

The internet emerged as a decentralized process of connecting one computer to another forming networks and then connecting networks together.

Artificial Intelligence

As with humans, complex machines may interact to form emergent structures. For example, artificial intelligence already plays a role in the emergence of stock market prices. In theory, self-learning machines could form societies, cultures, civilizations and other complexities.
Overview: Emergence
Type
Definition
When structured big things evolve from little things without coordination or organization.
Value of Theory
Avoiding attempts to centrally control things that can emerge with more eloquence.
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