The complexity of science

Abstract

The complexity of science In this article an alternative philosophy o f science based on ideas drawn from the study o f complex adaptive systems is presented. As a result o f the enormous expansion in scientific disciplines, and the number o f scientists and scientific institutions in the twentieth century, I believe science can be characterised as a complex system. I want to interpret the processes o f science through which scientists themselves determine what is regarded as good science. This characteri­ sation o f science as a complex system can supply an answer to the question why the sciences have been so successful in solving growing numbers o f problems and correcting their own mistakes.