scholarly journals Beyond Newtonian Thinking- Towards a Non-linear Archaeology - Applying Chaos Theory to Archaeology

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-64
Author(s):  
Henrik Gerding ◽  
Dominic Ingemark
Keyword(s):  
Chaos Theory ◽  
Dynamic Systems ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Cause And Effect ◽  
Complex Dynamic Systems ◽  
Analytic Methods ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
Way Of Thinking ◽  
New Perspective

In this article the authors suggest that chaos theory can provide us with a new perspective on archaeology. Newtonian thinking is predominant in archaeology, as well as in the humanities in general. This results in the hegemony of analytic methods and a linear way of thinking on cause and effect. However, chaos theory has shown that behind many phenomena that may seem random lies order. Since these complex dynamic systems cannot be approached by linear methods we must tum to chaos theory and non-linear science. Chaos theory has major consequences for our view of determinism and predictability.

scholarly journals Paradigm errors in the old biomedical science

Medicina ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 356
Author(s):  
Albertas Skurvydas
Keyword(s):  
Chaos Theory ◽  
Dynamic Systems ◽  
Biomedical Science ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
New Science ◽  
Complex Dynamic Systems ◽  
The World ◽  
Dynamic Phenomena

The aim of this article was to review the basic drawbacks of the deterministic and reductionistic thinking in biomedical science and to provide ways for dealing with them. The present paradigm of research in biomedical science has not got rid of the errors of the old science yet, i.e. the errors of absolute determinism and reductionism. These errors restrict the view and thinking of scholars engaged in the studies of complex and dynamic phenomena and mechanisms. Recently, discussions on science paradigm aimed at spreading the new science paradigm that of complex dynamic systems as well as chaos theory are in progress all over the world. It is for the nearest future to show which of the two, the old or the new science, will be the winner. We have come to the main conclusion that deterministic and reductionistic thinking applied in improper way can cause substantial damage rather than prove benefits for biomedicine science.

scholarly journals Variability as normal as apple pie

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (s2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjolijn Verspoor ◽  
Wander Lowie ◽  
Kees de Bot
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Systems ◽  
Dynamic Systems Theory ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Controlled Processes ◽  
Complex Dynamic Systems ◽  
L2 Development ◽  
Limited Degree ◽  
Development Phases ◽  
Longitudinal Case Studies ◽  
Over Time

Abstract In recent studies in second language (L2) development, notably within the focus of Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST), non-systematic variation has been extensively studied as intra-individual variation, which we will refer to as variability. This paper argues that variability is functional and is needed for development. With examples of four longitudinal case studies we hope to show that variability over time provides valuable information about the process of development. Phases of increased variability in linguistic constructions are often a sign that the learner is trying out different constructions, and as such variability can be evidence for change, and change can be learning. Also, a limited degree of variability is inherent in automatic or controlled processes. Conversely, the absence of variability is likely to show that no learning is going on or the system is frozen.

Toward a transdisciplinary integration of research purposes and methods for complex dynamic systems theory: beyond the quantitative–qualitative divide

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Phil Hiver ◽  
Ali H. Al-Hoorie ◽  
Diane Larsen-Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Dynamic Systems ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Dynamic Systems Theory ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Transdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Complex Dynamic Systems ◽  
Human And Social Sciences ◽  
Starting Point

Abstract Complexity theory/dynamic systems theory has challenged conventional approaches to applied linguistics research by encouraging researchers to adopt a pragmatic transdisciplinary approach that is less paradigmatic and more problem-oriented in nature. Its proponents have argued that the starting point in research design should not be the quantitative–qualitative distinction, or even mixed methods, but the distinction between individual versus group-based designs (i.e., idiographic versus nomothetic). Taking insights from transdisciplinary complexity research in other human and social sciences, we propose an integrative transdisciplinary framework that unites these different perspectives (quantitative–qualitative, individual–group based) from the starting point of exploratory–falsificatory aims. We discuss the implications of this transdisciplinary approach to applied linguistics research and illustrate how such an integrated approach might be implemented in the field.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document