Complexity

a philosophical overview

de Rescher, Nicholas.

This volume explores the nature of complexity and considers its bearing on our world and how we manage our affairs within it. Rescher's overall lesson is that the management of our affairs within a socially, technologically, and cognitively complex environment is plagued with vast management problems and risks of mishap. Although Rescher offers a sobering outlook, he also believes that complexity entails mixed blessings: our imperfect knowledge provides a rationale for putting forth our best efforts. This volume will be of interest to those interested in philosophy, the philosophy of science, science policy studies, and future studies.