A few reflections on the quality of emergence in complex collective systems

TL;DR

This paper discusses how to classify and understand the quality of emergence in complex collective systems, highlighting factors influencing persistent emergence and contrasting simple and complex organizations.

Contribution

It introduces a classification framework for emergence quality in collective systems and connects it with Leibniz's system for broader theoretical insights.

Findings

Identifies factors affecting the persistence of emergence

Classifies emergent systems from simple to complex

Highlights the role of system organization in emergence quality

Abstract

A number of elements towards a classification of the quality of emergence in emergent collective systems are provided. By using those elements, several classes of emergent systems are exemplified, ranging from simple aggregations of simple parts up to complex organizations of complex collective systems. In so doing, the factors likely to play a a significant role in the persistence of emergence and its opposite are highlighted. From this, new elements for discussion are identified also considering elements from the System of Leibniz.