AITIC Session 07

Terminology: Processual world view of complexity

Neo-

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Computational Austrian
First law of Thermodynamics

classical

Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Pr.

Economics
Newton’s Laws of motion

Economics Simulation
Mathematical (agent models)
Game Theory
Modelling
DEDUCTION
Complexity
Statistical Science
Inferences INDUCTION

Artificial Heuristics
ABDUCTION Intelligence
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Terminology
Process Theories: Involve a set of starting conditions
(SC), a functional end point (FEP) and an emergent
process of change (EPC)
• Lifecycle [SC, FEP, EPC]
• Teleology [SC, FEP, __]
• Dialectic [__, __, EPC]
• Evolutionary [__, __, EPC]
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Baskin K, Bondarenko DM (2018) The role of
complexity studies in the emerging
“processual” worldview. E: CO (March).

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References

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Life cycle Process Theory (Van de Ven, 1992, p. 177)
• Life cycle theory assumes that a change is immanent (will definitely
take place if a process is not stopped)
• The developing entity contains within it an underlying logic, program, or
code that regulates the process of change and moves it from a given point of
departure toward a subsequent end which is already prefigured in the
present state.
• What lies latent, rudimentary, or homogeneous in the embryo or primitive
state, becomes progressively more mature, complex, and differentiated
• A life cycle process of change is a unitary, cumulative, and conjunctive
sequence of stages, because the trajectory to the final end state is prefigured
and requires a specific historical sequence of events
BACK
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 Teleology Process Theory (Van de Ven, 1992, p. 178)
• A teleology process theory is based on the assumption that the developing
entity is purposeful and adaptive; by itself or in interaction with others. It
socially constructs an envisioned end state and selects from alternatives a
course of action to reach it.
• Unlike life cycle theory, teleology does not presume a necessary sequence of
events
• There is no prefigured rule or logically necessary direction to a teleological process
• Teleological theories posit a standard of what an envisioned end state for an
entity is: we are able to observe movement toward the end state.
• Theories that rely on a teleological process cannot specify what trajectory
development will follow. Multiple trajectories may qualify (equifinality*)
• Recall Simon’s observation that Utility maximization theory leaves out specifying what
actions an organism should carry out, in order to make progress towards its goal.
BACK
* Recall the multiple explanations feasible for human behavior in the “+” or “-” guessing game in S03 slide 9 7
 Dialectic Process Theory (Van de Ven, 1992, p. 178—179)
• A developing entity exists in a pluralistic world of colliding events, forces, or
contradictory values which compete with each other for domination and control
• These oppositions may be internal to the entity because it may be prefigured with
contradictory laws or rules of development (i.e. incompatible life cycle programs), or it has
multiple conflicting goals or teleologies.
• Oppositions may also arise external to the entity as it pursues developmental paths that
collide with those of other.
• E.g. conflict between: inner biological, individual-psychological, cultural-sociological, and
outer-physical forces
• Stability is produced through partisan struggles and accommodations which
maintain the status quo between oppositions.
• Change occurs when these opposing values, forces, or events go out of balance.
• The relative strength, power, or legitimacy of an antithesis may emerge or
mobilize to a sufficient degree of force to overthrow the current thesis or state of
affairs and produce a synthesis. Outcomes: Equilibrium, Oscillation and Chaos.
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 Evolutionary Process Theory (Van de Ven, 1992, p. 179—180)
• As in biological evolution, change proceeds in a continuous process of variation,
selection, and retention.
• Variations, the creation of novel forms are often viewed to emerge by random chance
• Selection occurs through competition among forms: the, environment selects those forms
which optimize or are best suited to the resource base of an environmental niche
• Retention serves to counter-act the self-reinforcing loop between variations and selection:
retention works to maintain those forms and practices that were selected in the past
• Social Darwinists argue that traits can be inherited only through
intergenerational processes (Nature)
• Lamarkian and cultural evolutionary theorists argue that traits can be acquired
within a generation through learning and imitation (Nurture)
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Reference.

Van de Ven AH. 1992. Suggestions for studying

strategy process: A research note. Strategic
Management Journal, 13, summer special issue.
169-188

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