The conjunction of non-living and living in human systems: Why do novelties emerge?

Abstract

The large picture and the ideal of total control upheld by traditional economics are unlikely to obtain complete answers in the increasing complexity of the socioeconomic system with its various manifestations, such as globalisation and environmental depletion. The reason why the economy does what it does and why we pay attention to it gets lost along the way. In other words, the instruments of economics are inadequate for the complex socioeconomic context in which we live. To illustrate this concept as a starting point for new foundations for economic disciplines, we present an unusual scientific discussion inspired by a fantasy thriller film of 1997 titled Cube.