Complexity and biocomplexity: Overview of some historical aspects and philosophical basis

Abstract

Complexity has radically changed human understanding of the world environment and continues challenging our best scientific theories. In a rapidly changing research landscape, historical and philosophical insights into Complexity can heighten awareness of the proper theoretical perspectives scientists should adopt to advance the study of biocomplexity, including ecological complexity. The present work aims to deepen this awareness and disclose how researchers should generally approach, scientifically and philosophically, the question of what Complexity is, which is of great importance not only to the scientific community but also far beyond. First, this article reviews some critical historical turning points that led to Complexity. Second, the paper discusses philosophical-scientific approaches to the emergence as one of the most critical features of complex systems. The critical ideas behind attempts to understand the generators of complexity in nature are then presented, focusing on the living world. Finally, the review focuses on understanding the ecosystem- and organism-oriented perspectives of biocomplexity. We conclude that the genuine problem of the origin of complexity theory and biocomplexity will continue to inspire generations of researchers to search for new, more comprehensive mathematical and computational frameworks to explain biological hierarchies in order to further advance the scientific understanding of life.