Climate tipping point interactions and cascades: a review
Nico Wunderling,Anna S. von der Heydt,Yevgeny Aksenov,Stephen Barker,Robbin Bastiaansen,Victor Brovkin,Maura Brunetti,Victor Couplet,Thomas Kleinen,Caroline H. Lear,Johannes Lohmann,Rosa Maria Roman-Cuesta,Sacha Sinet,Didier Swingedouw,Ricarda Winkelmann,Pallavi Anand,Jonathan Barichivich,Sebastian Bathiany,Mara Baudena,John T. Bruun,Cristiano M. Chiessi,Helen K. Coxall,David Docquier,Jonathan F. Donges,Swinda K. J. Falkena,Ann Kristin Klose,David Obura,Juan Rocha,Stefanie Rynders,Norman Julius Steinert,and Matteo Willeit
Often assumed to be derived from cybernetics, today’s generative AI ignores many of its concerns. This essay compares and contrasts two theories of the cyberneticist Gordon Pask with today’s thinking of AI, by looking at Pask’s conversation theory, black boxes, and “maverick machines”.
Kempinskiis the third installment of Uncomputables: On Cybernetics and Alien Intelligences, an online program of films and accompanying texts convened by Agnieszka Kurant as the thirteenth cycle of Artist Cinemas, a long-term, online series of film programs curated by artists for e-flux Film.
In thisscience-fiction documentary, Beloufa takes us to a village in Mali where inhabitants are invited to express their visions of the future. They speak of their present, but also come up with futuristic accounts and visions, where men couple with cows, cars talk, and rockets spy on people’s lives.
Kempinskiis the third installment of Uncomputables: On Cybernetics and Alien Intelligences, an online program of films and accompanying texts convened by Agnieszka Kurant as the thirteenth cycle of Artist Cinemas, a long-term, online series of film programs curated by artists for e-flux Film.
The film is presented alongside a text by Noam Segal.
Uncomputables: On Cybernetics and Alien Intelligences runs in six episodes released every Monday from January 15 through February 26, 2024, streaming a new film each week accompanied by a commissioned interview or response published in text form.
How do biological systems cope with their changing worlds? This is a deep problem within evolutionary biology. In this excellent paper by @sfiscience external faculty Lauren Ancel Meyers @meyerslab and James Bull, an elegant unifying picture is provided https://t.co/wA46u6a3Ovpic.twitter.com/xAQiI0lh3K
The following article is an introduction to the design of megaproject organizations based on the viable system model. It combines approaches from project management with approaches from systems theory. The understanding of complexity and how it is effectively managed by the organizational code is a central theme. After referring to current research and a short introduction, the application is shown by using an example. The article shows how important the „applied“ management model is for a successful management of mega projects.
Keywords: Majorprojects, Megaprojects, System Theory, Viable System Model, Organisation, Complexity
DECRYPTING THE DNA OF MEGAPROJECTS A Model-based Management Approachusing the Viable System Model (VSM) FEATURED PAPERBy Michael FrahmBaden-Württemberg, GermanyandDr. Martin PfiffnerPfäffikon, SwitzerlandAbstractThe following article is an introduction to the design of megaproject organizations based on the viable system model. It combines approaches from project management with approaches from systems theory. The understanding of complexity and how it is effectively managed by the organizational code is a central theme. After referring to current research and a short introduction, the application is shown by using an example. The article shows how important the „applied“ management model is for a successful management of mega projects.Keywords: Majorprojects, Megaprojects, System Theory, Viable System Model, Organisation, Complexity
We introduce an algebraic analogue of dynamical systems, based on term rewriting. We show that a recursive function applied to the output of an iterated rewriting system defines a formal class of models into which all the main architectures for dynamic machine learning models (including recurrent neural networks, graph neural networks, and diffusion models) can be embedded. Considered in category theory, we also show that these algebraic models are a natural language for describing the compositionality of dynamic models. Furthermore, we propose that these models provide a template for the generalisation of the above dynamic models to learning problems on structured or non-numerical data, including ‘hybrid symbolic-numeric’ models.
Algebraic Dynamical Systems in Machine LearningOpen accessPublished: 18 January 2024Volume 32, article number 4, (2024)Cite this articleDownload PDFYou have full access to thisopen accessarticleApplied Categorical StructuresAims and scopeSubmit manuscriptAlgebraic Dynamical Systems in Machine LearningDownload PDFIolo Jones, Jerry Swan & Jeffrey Giansiracusa 83 AccessesExplore all metrics AbstractWe introduce an algebraic analogue of dynamical systems, based on term rewriting. We show that a recursive function applied to the output of an iterated rewriting system defines a formal class of models into which all the main architectures for dynamic machine learning models (including recurrent neural networks, graph neural networks, and diffusion models) can be embedded. Considered in category theory, we also show that these algebraic models are a natural language for describing the compositionality of dynamic models. Furthermore, we propose that these models provide a template for the generalisation of the above dynamic models to learning problems on structured or non-numerical data, including ‘hybrid symbolic-numeric’ models.
Thinking Through Archaeological Complexity: Leveraging high performance computing, network science, and agent-based models to understand Australia’s deep past
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024 11:30-1:00PM 747 Weiser Hall
Stefani Crabtree
Department of Environment and Society, Utah State University
There will be coffee and snacks. The talk will be recorded for later viewing. Link to full event listingAbstract: Complex adaptive systems science provides ways to examine relationships among individuals in the archaeological past. Through these methods we directly observe the impacts of individuals’ decisions (in the case of agent-based modeling) or their relationships to other individuals (in the case of network analysis) and then examine the effects of these behaviors on larger societal structures. Approaches from complex adaptive systems thus help advance archaeological research to study not just the tangible (artifacts) but the intangible and invisible (relationships).
In this talk I highlight how tools from complex adaptive systems science have helped solve debates on when and how the peopling of Australia happened, and how people have been fundamental components in ecosystems for generations. This work has applicability to other systems worldwide, both in the past and into the future. Archaeology helps us understand vexing problems today by illustrating the trajectories of past societies, allowing us to see the long-term consequences of human decisions.Add to Google CalendarUpcoming Events CSCS Seminar, Thursday, February 1, 2024: Twists, triangles, and tentacles: A guided tour of high-dimensional basins in networked dynamical systems, Yuanzhao Zhang, Postdoctoral Fellow, Santa Fe Institute.
Biophysics Seminar, Monday, February 5, 2024, 12:00pm 1640 Chemistry. Clare Abreu will present “Predicting microbial community responses to environmental change”.
CSCS Seminar, Thursday, February 8, 2024, Talk Title, TBA, Elizabeth Munch, Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering and Department of Mathematics; Michigan State University.
[Adapted from a new Encyclopedia of Interdisciplinarity and Transdisciplinarity to be published by Edward Elgar Publishing focusing on advances and diversity of theories, methods and practices]
Abstract
Liberating Structures (LS) is a repertoire of open source protocols and an innovative set of rules to guide routine interactions in board rooms, classrooms, and community forums. LS specifies how people are included and participate in ways that sets them free from unwitting patterns that exclude, stifle, and over-control. With deliberate irony, LS employs structural constraints to liberate. Codified in the early 2000s, LS consist of 10 principles and 33 practical methods versatile enough for anyone to use for a wide array of purposes and group processes. The transdisciplinary attributes of LS arise from its complexity science roots. The focus is on relationship patterns rather than individual behavior. LS makes it possible to work with complexity instead of engineering it away, and hence generates options where none existed. Every LS protocol in the repertoire has the same minimalistic “DNA” of five micro-structuring elements. LS use has spread across diverse organization types, social movements, and disciplines.
Keywords: complexity science, social innovation, inclusion and engagement, facilitation, action research, collaborative change
Keith McCandless·Following11 min read·Jul 6, 2023923By Keith McCandless , Arvind Singhal, and Steven H. Cady[Adapted from a new Encyclopedia of Interdisciplinarity and Transdisciplinarity to be published by Edward Elgar Publishing focusing on advances and diversity of theories, methods and practices]AbstractLiberating Structures (LS) is a repertoire of open source protocols and an innovative set of rules to guide routine interactions in board rooms, classrooms, and community forums. LS specifies how people are included and participate in ways that sets them free from unwitting patterns that exclude, stifle, and over-control. With deliberate irony, LS employs structural constraints to liberate. Codified in the early 2000s, LS consist of 10 principles and 33 practical methods versatile enough for anyone to use for a wide array of purposes and group processes. The transdisciplinary attributes of LS arise from its complexity science roots. The focus is on relationship patterns rather than individual behavior. LS makes it possible to work with complexity instead of engineering it away, and hence generates options where none existed. Every LS protocol in the repertoire has the same minimalistic “DNA” of five micro-structuring elements. LS use has spread across diverse organization types, social movements, and disciplines.Keywords: complexity science, social innovation, inclusion and engagement, facilitation, action research, collaborative change
On this site we explore Robin Asby’s thoughts on Thinking Systems, especially as it relates to governing communities. It introduces a paradigm shifting move to include process analytics and to see statics as a special case of processes. You can order Thinking Systems, An Organic Language of Harmony for Human Survival from Amazon.
The Systems Transformation Hub, a pioneering venture designed to drive systemic solutions for Europe, was launched on 24 January 2024 at the European Parliament by a coalition of five thought-leading organisations. This comes at a pivotal time of complex and interconnected crises in the lead-up to key elections in the European Union.
New partnership charts a path for systemic change in the EUIN THE NEWS 24 JAN 2024The Systems Transformation Hub, a pioneering venture designed to drive systemic solutions for Europe, was launched on 24 January 2024 at the European Parliament by a coalition of five thought-leading organisations. This comes at a pivotal time of complex and interconnected crises in the lead-up to key elections in the European Union.
[You need to join the meetup.com group but this is free]
Details
Practical Workshop
Dive into Stafford Beer’s Viable System Model (VSM) in our concise workshop lead by strategy and organisational clarity-maker Adam Thompson.
We’ll see how to apply this powerful tool for diagnosing and improving any purposeful system, which of course includes organisations.
We ask that you bring along your most pressing organisational pathology so we can apply the model in real-time to create insight and solutions while showing you how to put it to use.
Adam has a wonderful way of explaining complex concepts in a simple and fun way without losing the essence of the concepts.
Facilitator: Adam Thompson Since 2012, Adam has been helping leaders get strategic, organisational and leadership clarity so their organisations can be successful. With over 25 years of organisational leadership experience, the trademark of his work is engaging expertise with a touch of humour (because real change needs it!), bringing together a vast and evolving knowledge of strategic, organisational, systems and people models to create insight and understandings that are bespoke for each situation.
Prior to establishing his consulting practice, he was part of the Executive at RAA, earlier work saw success in senior roles in the insurance, finance, education and legal industries, both in Australia and in the UK. His formal qualifications are in Economics and Law and he is a qualified Barrister and Solicitor in South Australia while successfully avoiding actual working as one! He also holds certification from the Institute For Development Coaching for providing feedback and tailored coaching on the Leadership Maturity Framework.
Outside of work and his busy family, he is the Soccer Coordinator for his children’s school and lives essentially the exact opposite life to Jason Bourne.
Demystifying the Viable System Model: A Practical ApproachHosted ByDavid W. and 2 othersDetailsPractical WorkshopDive into Stafford Beer’s Viable System Model (VSM) in our concise workshop lead by strategy and organisational clarity-maker Adam Thompson.We’ll see how to apply this powerful tool for diagnosing and improving any purposeful system, which of course includes organisations.We ask that you bring along your most pressing organisational pathology so we can apply the model in real-time to create insight and solutions while showing you how to put it to use.Adam has a wonderful way of explaining complex concepts in a simple and fun way without losing the essence of the concepts.He has a video that explains VSM in 2 minutes accessible from here: https://youtu.be/b88Z5lK9HOYIf you want more, there is even more fun videos that expands on System 2 in VSM: https://youtu.be/YDUJPFTSS-U?si=wo7_aT9gt0LxNnxfAnd another short video that briefly explains System 3: https://youtu.be/zd5dGxzm3D8?si=pcSlP0k8neA9Wx-wFacilitator: Adam ThompsonSince 2012, Adam has been helping leaders get strategic, organisational and leadership clarity so their organisations can be successful. With over 25 years of organisational leadership experience, the trademark of his work is engaging expertise with a touch of humour (because real change needs it!), bringing together a vast and evolving knowledge of strategic, organisational, systems and people models to create insight and understandings that are bespoke for each situation.Prior to establishing his consulting practice, he was part of the Executive at RAA, earlier work saw success in senior roles in the insurance, finance, education and legal industries, both in Australia and in the UK. His formal qualifications are in Economics and Law and he is a qualified Barrister and Solicitor in South Australia while successfully avoiding actual working as one! He also holds certification from the Institute For Development Coaching for providing feedback and tailored coaching on the Leadership Maturity Framework.Outside of work and his busy family, he is the Soccer Coordinator for his children’s school and lives essentially the exact opposite life to Jason Bourne.
Systems Community of Inquiry 
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