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Polyplexity

In: Complexity and Spatial Networks

Author

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  • Helen Couclelis

    (University of California)

Abstract

Simon's famous ant metaphor points to the possibility of two alternative representations for the same complex phenomenon: the ant's convoluted path on the beach may be described as complex behaviour against a simple background, or as simple behaviour against a complex background (or as a little of both, of course). The metaphor also supports the intuition that complexity is largely in the eye of the beholder – a fruitful philosophical position to take, as it encourages the observer to seek the representation that is the most useful for the purpose at hand rather than engage in a wild goose chase for “the” correct kind of representation. However, the ant-on-the-beach scenario falls short in one important respect: it views phenomena as consisting of a system of interest and an environment, whereas in fact every system description also involves a (usually tacit) underlying spatio-temporal framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Helen Couclelis, 2009. "Polyplexity," Advances in Spatial Science, in: Aura Reggiani & Peter Nijkamp (ed.), Complexity and Spatial Networks, chapter 0, pages 75-88, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:adspcp:978-3-642-01554-0_6
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-01554-0_6
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