Title: Complexity theory and landscape ontogenesis: an epistemological approach

Authors: Almo Farina

Addresses: Institute of Ecology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, The University of Urbino, Campus Scientifico - Sogesta, 61029 Urbino, Italy

Abstract: Complexity and landscape have been confronted using an epistemological approach. The complexity paradigm has been described using the Uncertainty Hypothesis (UH), the Inter-domain Hypothesis (IH), and the Connection Hypothesis (CH). The landscape ontogenesis theory that describes three main steps in landscape dynamic: novelties, opportunities and events, has been confronted with the complexity hypotheses using a probability perspective (PP), an energy perspective (EP) and a driver perspective (DP). Novelties have been found consistent with UH and PP, Events with IH and EP, and finally Opportunities are connected with CH and DP. This analysis confirms that landscape ontogenesis paradigm can be incorporated in the complexity theory, and that landscape ontogenesis represents a promising approach to investigate the complexity of meso-level systems like the landscape.

Keywords: complexity theory; ecological drivers; events; landscape ontogenesis; opportunities; probability; uncertainty; epistemology; ecology; landscape science.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAM.2005.007165

International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management, 2005 Vol.5 No.2/3/4, pp.159 - 166

Published online: 02 Jun 2005 *

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