Book Description

Welcome to a science for this century. This introduction to systems science, also known as complexity science begins with: “Everything—from an atom to a cell to the Universe—is made up of the same patterns. Understand how these patterns organize Nature’s systems, and you can better and more creatively organize your thinking and reasoning and the systems in which you live.”

Seeing is a reference book, much like a field guide to birds. The first chapter provides a brief overview of the emerging science of systems, also known as complexity science, and describes the limitations of English for expressing this worldview. Using 157 images, graphics, and tables, the next 19 chapters of Seeing describe 19 “systems processes”–networks, feedback, cycle, hierarchy, flows, evolution, and more–using definitions from the literature; the field guide’s definition; what they’re also called in the different sciences and in life; examples from Nature, human life, and techology; their features and functions; how they can be modeled; and how they interact with other systems processes. The next three chapters define more deeply what a systems process is, what a system is, and a brief overview of systems science. The final four chapters provide examples of how systems processes can be applied to Nature, consciousness, and culture.