Complex Science for a Complex World

Complex Science for a Complex World

Exploring Human Ecosystems with Agents

Edited by: Pascal Perez, David Batten

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Description

It is well known that human activities are endangering the stability and sustainability of many fragile ecosystems to such an extent that their future is in doubt. At the same time, these ecosystems are inherently challenging to manage successfully because of the complexity and uncertainty associated with their ongoing evolution. Much of this complexity and uncertainty may be attributed to the human dimension. Thus it is imperative that we deepen our understanding of how and why people choose to interact with one another and how this interactive behaviour affects these ecosystems as time passes.

Fortunately, a new kind of science is helping us deepen our understanding of how human ecosystems might grow and change over time. Beyond a mere collation of various reflections and applications, the chapters in this book aim to convince the reader that this new kind of science is worthy of our attention. It is a science that fully embraces the complexity of our surrounding world. It is also a science that addresses the frontiers of interactions between human behaviour and environmental responses. Furthermore, it is a science that challenges our limited understanding and treatment of uncertainty. And finally, because it is socially embedded, it is a science that can generate partnerships with local communities in a constructive manner.

We hope that you will enjoy the reading of such a diverse ‘ouvrage’ whose purpose is to attract more early career scientists into our field of research and to convince decision-makers that a growing contingent of colleagues working on complexity theory can provide useful tools and methods to better understand complex and adaptive environments. It is time to reassure you (the reader) that the rise of a ‘Complex Science for a Complex World’ doesn’t mean more complicated relationships between science and society.

Details

ISBN (print):
9781920942380
ISBN (online):
9781920942397
Publication date:
Aug 2006
Imprint:
ANU Press
DOI:
http://doi.org/10.22459/CSCW.08.2006
Disciplines:
Science: Agriculture & Forestry, Earth & Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Other
Countries:
Australia

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Complex Science for a Complex World »

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Part I. Building a New Science for a Complex World

  1. Complex Science for a Complex World: An Introduction (PDF, 172KB)Pascal Perez and David Batten doi
  2. Towards a New Ontology of Complexity Science (PDF, 126KB)Roger Bradbury doi
  3. Agents, Icons and Idols (PDF, 490KB)Pascal Perez doi
  4. The Uncertain Fate of Self-Defeating Systems (PDF, 183KB)David Batten doi
  5. The Structure of Social Networks (PDF, 870KB)David Newth doi
  6. Integration and Implementation Sciences: Building a New Specialisation (PDF, 273KB)Gabriele Bammer doi

Part II. Exploring National Research Priorities with Agents

  1. Sustainability Assessment of Housing Developments: A New Methodology (PDF, 2.7MB)Katherine A. Daniell, Ashley B. Kingsborough, David J. Malovka, Heath C. Sommerville, Bernadette A. Foley and Holger R. Maier doi
  2. WISDOM-II: A Network Centric Model for Warfare (PDF, 1.1MB)Ang Yang, Neville Curtis, Hussein A. Abbass, Ruhul Sarker and Michael Barlow doi
  3. Managing Agricultural Pest and Disease Incursions: An Application of Agent-Based Modelling (PDF, 601KB)Lisa Elliston and Stephen Beare doi
  4. SimDrug: A Multi-Agent System Tackling the Complexity of Illicit Drug Markets in Australia (PDF, 1.0MB)Pascal Perez, Anne Dray, A. Ritter, P. Dietze, T. Moore and L. Mazerolle doi
  5. NEMSIM: Finding Ways to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Using Multi-Agent Electricity Modelling (PDF, 1.0MB)David Batten and George Grozev doi
  6. AtollGame: A Companion Modelling Experience in the Pacific (PDF, 951KB)Anne Dray, Pascal Perez, Christophe LePage, Patrick D’Aquino and Ian White doi
  7. Multiple-Use Management Strategy Evaluation for Coastal Marine Ecosystems Using InVitro (PDF, 789KB)A.D. McDonald, E. Fulton, L.R. Little, R. Gray, K.J. Sainsbury and V.D. Lyne doi
  8. Rangeland Consolidation Patterns in Australia: An Agent-Based Modelling Approach (PDF, 586KB)Ryan R. J. McAllister, John E. Gross and Chris J. Stokes doi

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