Complex Adaptive Systems, Evolutionism, and Ecology within Anthropology: Interdisciplinary Research for Understanding Cultural and Ecological Dynamics

Abstract

We now know that far from equilibrium, new types of structures may originatespontaneously. In far-from-equilibrium conditions we may have transformation fromdisorder, from thermal chaos, into order. New dynamic states of matter may originate,states that reflect the interaction of a given system with its surroundings. We have calledthese new structures dissipative structures to emphasize the constructive role ofdissipative processes in their formation.