Complexity arises from simple processes from "summary" of Darwin's Dangerous Idea by Daniel C. Dennett
The world is filled with complexity, from the intricate patterns of a snowflake to the vast diversity of life on Earth. But how did this complexity come to be? According to Darwin's dangerous idea, complexity arises from simple processes. This notion challenges our intuitions about the nature of design and creation, suggesting that even the most complex structures can emerge from the interaction of simple components. In nature, complex systems often exhibit emergent properties that cannot be predicted from the properties of their individual parts. For example, the behavior of a flock of birds or a school of fish is not determined by any single bird or fish, but rather emerges from the interactions between them. Similarly, the complexity of living organisms arises from the interactions of genes, proteins, and other molecular components. Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection provides a powerful explanation for the origin of complexity in living systems. Through the process of variation, selection,...
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