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Constructing a General Theory of Life: The Dynamics of Human and Non-human Systems

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  • Graeme Donald Snooks

Abstract

The ultimate objective of theorists studying living systems is to construct a general theory of life that can explain and predict the dynamics of both human and nonhuman systems. Yet little progress has been made in this endeavour. Why? Because of the inappropriate methods adopted by complexity theorists. By assuming that the supply-side physics model – in which local interactions are said to give rise to the emergence of order and complexity – could be transferred either entirely (social physics) or partially (agent-based models, or ABMs) from the physical to the life sciences, we have distorted reality and, thereby, delayed the construction of a general dynamic theory of living systems. Is there a solution? Yes, but only if we abandon the deductive and analogical methods of complexity theorists and adopt the inductive method. With this approach it is possible to construct a realist and demand-side general dynamic theory, as in the case of the dynamic-strategy theory presented in this paper.

Suggested Citation

  • Graeme Donald Snooks, 2009. "Constructing a General Theory of Life: The Dynamics of Human and Non-human Systems," GDSC Working Papers 008, Institute of Global Dynamic Systems.
    • Handle: RePEc:auu:wpaper:008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Graeme Donald Snooks, 2000. "An End to Progress and Liberty?," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: The Global Crisis Makers, chapter 6, pages 89-111, Palgrave Macmillan.
    2. Graeme Donald Snooks, 2000. "The Global Crisis Makers," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-0-333-97798-9, December.
    3. Robert Axelrod, 1997. "Advancing the Art of Simulation in the Social Sciences," Working Papers 97-05-048, Santa Fe Institute.
    4. Graeme Donald Snooks, 2007. "Self-organisation or Selfcreation? From Social Physics to Realist Dynamics," CEPR Discussion Papers 546, Centre for Economic Policy Research, Research School of Economics, Australian National University.
    5. Graeme Donald Snooks, 1993. "Economics without Time," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-0-230-37381-5, December.
    6. Joshua M. Epstein & Robert L. Axtell, 1996. "Growing Artificial Societies: Social Science from the Bottom Up," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262550253, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    complex living systems; unified theory; general theory of life; dynamics. Demand-side; methodology;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines
    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology
    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General

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