Societal Complexity and Physical Power

TL;DR

This paper explores the relationship between societal complexity, physical power, and economic activity, proposing a simple Systems Dynamics model to illustrate their interconnectedness as civilization expands.

Contribution

It introduces a conceptual model linking societal complexity, physical power, and economic activity, highlighting their interdependence during civilization growth.

Findings

Societal complexity increases with technological expansion.

Physical power and economic activity are interconnected with societal complexity.

A simple Systems Dynamics model illustrates these relationships.

Abstract

As the current thermo-industrial civilization expands, its technological and societal complexities increase. We suggest that physical power, economic activity and societal complexity are linked. A simple, intuitive model based on Systems Dynamics is used as an illustration.