Evolution and Transitions in Complexity The Science of Hierarchical
This book discusses several recent theoretic advancements in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary integration in the field of evolution. While exploring novel views, the text maintains a close link with one of the most broadly held views on evolut
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Evolution and Transitions in Complexity The Science of Hierarchical Organization in Nature
Evolution and Transitions in Complexity
Gerard A.J.M. Jagers op Akkerhuis Editor
Evolution and Transitions in Complexity The Science of Hierarchical Organization in Nature
Editor Gerard A.J.M. Jagers op Akkerhuis Wageningen University & Research, Environmental Research (Alterra) Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
ISBN 978-3-319-43801-6 ISBN 978-3-319-43802-3 DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-43802-3
(eBook)
Library of Congress Control Number: 2016954246 © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. Printed on acid-free paper This Springer imprint is published by Springer Nature The registered company is Springer International Publishing AG The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland
Preface
This book offers an integration of the results of a scientific quest that started in 1994. The quest’s goal was to identify levels of complexity in the organisation of nature. For the identification of such levels a scientific tool was developed, a “complexity ladder” that was named the Operator Hierarchy. This ladder adds many new insights to the classical ladder of nature, known as the scala naturae, which offered an allegorical ranking of kinds of entities according to “increasing perfection.” The scala naturae started with minerals and extended to plants, animals, humans, angels, and god. There are many reasons why few people consider the classical ranking a scientific approach, for example because it lacks mechanisms and includes non-material entities (e.g. angels). Because of such incongruences, the scala naturae has contemptuously been classified as an archaic approach that should be abolished, like scientists have abolished the idea that the sun orbits the earth. However, if one categorically rejects all ideas about ladders, one risks throwing the baby of hierarchical thinking out with the bathwater of alle
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