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On Paul Cilliers' approach to complexity: post-structuralism versus model exclusivity

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  • Ragnar Van Der Merwe

    (University of Johannesburg, Faculty of Humanities, Department of Philosophy, Johannesburg, South Africa)

Abstract

Paul Cilliers has developed a novel post-structural approach to complexity that has influenced several writers contributing to the current complexity literature. Concomitantly however, Cilliers advocates for modelling complex systems using connectionist neural networks (rather than analytic, rule-based models). In this article, I argue that it is dilemmic to simultaneously hold these two positions. Cilliers' post-structural interpretation of complexity states that models of complex systems are always contextual and provisional; there is no exclusive model of complex systems. This sentiment however appears at odds with Cilliers' promotion of connectionist neural networks as the best way to model complex systems. The lesson is that those who currently follow Cilliers' post-structural approach to complexity cannot also develop a preferred model of complex systems, and those who currently advocate for some preferred model of complex systems cannot adopt the post-structural approach to complexity without giving up the purported objectivity and/or superiority of their preferred model.

Suggested Citation

  • Ragnar Van Der Merwe, 2021. "On Paul Cilliers' approach to complexity: post-structuralism versus model exclusivity," Interdisciplinary Description of Complex Systems - scientific journal, Croatian Interdisciplinary Society Provider Homepage: http://indecs.eu, vol. 19(4), pages 457-469.
    • Handle: RePEc:zna:indecs:v:19:y:2021:i:4:p:457-469
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    Keywords

    Paul Cilliers; Jacques Derrida; complexity theory; post-structuralism; connectionism; neural networks;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C51 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Construction and Estimation

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