THE LAWS OF COMPLEXITY
 
Vlad Dimitrov
v.dimitrov@uws.edu.au
 
 
At the focus of the new paradigm of complexity is the unbreakable wholeness (integrity, unity, totality) of existence – a wholeness sustained by the self-propelling dynamics of nature. Complex (from the Latin word complexus meaning “totality”) is different from complicated. A complex adaptive entity (such as an organism, cell, ecosystem, human being, organisation, intelligent machine, etc.) becomes complicated when one studies it dissected into parts or disconnected from the web of dynamics, interdependencies and relations, to which this entity inseparably belongs.
 
To research into complexity means to reveal and explore the emergent properties of this web, its capacity to self-organise, evolve and transform, and the laws sustaining its wholeness; to work with complexity means to act in harmony with these laws.
 
Our research in complexity has revealed the crucial importance of the following six laws 'ruling' the web of complex interactive dynamics:
 
(1) Law of Change : The web of complex interactive dynamics can only change into something that is already inherent ('imploded') in its own nature. This law closely relates to the Law of Emergence.

(2) Law of Emergence: Only emergence in potentiality (in a ‘state of implosion’) can transform into emergence in actuality (in a ‘state of explosion’). This law is described in detail in (http://vlad-home-page.fcpages.com/internet-papers/emergence1.html).

(3) Law of Autopoiesis : The web of complex interactive dynamics creates itself - ‘pulls itself by heir own bootstraps’.  The web of complex interactive dynamics and relationships – a web which never ceases to exist - constantly gives birth to emergent  phenomena and processes, which perpetuate complexity and its capacity to self-propel, self-organise and self-transform.
 
(4) Law of Growth-from-within : The web of complex interactive dynamics grows from within . In the similar way as the wholeness of a seed grows from within, while revealing the power of its imploded potential, so does any complex adaptive entity and the web as a whole.
 
(5) Law of Fractality : The web of complex interactive dynamics self-organises into fractals - self-similar dynamic patterns - at various level (scales) of manifestation: micro and macro, organic and inorganic, animate and inanimate, natural and simulated, individual and social, plant-like, animal and human .
 
(6) Law of Vorticity : Vorticity - the ability to give birth to self-organising forces - of the web of complex interactive


Copyright, 2002, V. Dimitrov