Complex Systems Science: Dreams of Universality, Reality of Interdisciplinarity

TL;DR

This study empirically analyzes the complex systems field using a large database, revealing that its coherence stems from computational methods and interdisciplinary trading zones rather than a universal theory.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive empirical overview of the complex systems field, highlighting the role of computational techniques and interdisciplinary interfaces over universal principles.

Findings

Coherence arises from computational techniques and adaptations of self-organization.

Interdisciplinary communication occurs through specific trading zones.

No evidence of a universal theory in complex systems.

Abstract

Using a large database (~ 215 000 records) of relevant articles, we empirically study the "complex systems" field and its claims to find universal principles applying to systems in general. The study of references shared by the papers allows us to obtain a global point of view on the structure of this highly interdisciplinary field. We show that its overall coherence does not arise from a universal theory but instead from computational techniques and fruitful adaptations of the idea of self-organization to specific systems. We also find that communication between different disciplines goes through specific "trading zones", ie sub-communities that create an interface around specific tools (a DNA microchip) or concepts (a network).