Complexity and Postmodernism explores the notion of complexity in the light
of contemporary perspectives from philosophy and science. Paul Cilliers
contributes to our general understanding of complex systems, and explores the
implications of complexity theory for our understanding of biological and
social systems. Postmodern theory is reinterpreted in order to argue
that a postmodern perspective does not necessarily imply relativism, but that it could
also be viewed as a manifestation of an inherent sensitivity to complexity.
As Cilliers explains, the characterisation of complexity revolves around
analyses of the process of self-organisation and a rejection of traditional notions
of representation. The model of language developed by Saussure—and
expanded by Derrida—is used to develop the notion of distributed
representation, which in turn is linked with distributed modelling techniques.
Connectionism (implemented in neural networks) serves as an example of these
techniques. Cilliers points out that this approach to complexity leads to models
of complex systems that avoid the oversimplification that results from rulebased
models.
Complexity and Postmodernism integrates insights from complexity and
computational theory with the philosophical position of thinkers like Derrida
and Lyotard. Cilliers takes a critical stance towards the use of the analytical
method as a tool to cope with complexity, and he rejects Searle’s superficial
contribution to the debate.
Complexity and Postmodernism is an exciting and an original book that
should be read by anyone interested in gaining a fresh understanding of
complexity, postmodernism and connectionism.