Title: Complexity and uncertainty in a world of emergence part 1

Authors: Anneloes Smitsman; Sudip Patra; Alexander Laszlo

Addresses: EARTHwise Centre, A101, G.FL Les Terrasses du Barachois, Tamarin, 90901, Mauritius ' OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat, 131001, India ' Laszlo Institute of New Paradigm Research (LINPR), Via Riva Tommaso Gulli (n. 12), 34123 Trieste (TS), Italy

Abstract: This is the first article of a two-part series exploring the complexity of the evolutionary process of life from cosmological and systems science perspectives, and how to apply these understandings to human and societal development. In particular, for addressing the harmful misconceptions of complexity from mechanistic systems and worldviews that have dominated human development for centuries, and are at the root of the contemporary sustainability crisis. We start by exploring the bases of quantum physics and how it has evolved into a more nuanced form through the rise of relational quantum mechanics. To better understand the features of a quantum world, instead of a mechanistic world, we postulate a systems view and offer three essential principles of quantum reality: fundamental uncertainty, contextuality-complementarity, and non-locality. This is followed by an exploration of three evolutionary principles and how to apply them to enable transformative emergence for thrivability.

Keywords: quantum physics; quantum-like modelling; intertwinglement; VUCA dynamics; fractal ontology; living systems; complexity; creative emergence; evolutionary dynamics; self-simulation hypothesis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFIP.2023.136741

International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, 2023 Vol.16 No.2/3/4, pp.354 - 373

Accepted: 19 Sep 2023
Published online: 19 Feb 2024 *

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