Problems in Large-Scale Social Economic Systems

1 June 1978

journal article
research article
Published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Peace Research

Vol. 15 (2) , 131-151
https://doi.org/10.1177/002234337801500203

Abstract

This paper attempts to show how complexity can defeat the analysis, prediction and control of large-scale dynamic systems. Some characteristics and facets of complexity are explored, and three research strategies are discussed which lead to a satisfactory treatment of complexity in dynamic systems. The research strategies relate to (i) the control-theoretic, hierarchical approach, (ii) the design-oriented, algebraic approach, (iii) models using catastrophe theory. The virtues of these approaches are compared, and some practical difficulties in dealing with complex systems are discussed.

Keywords

This publication has 4 references indexed in Scilit:

Core and Equilibria of a Large Economy. (PSME-5)
Published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH ,2015
Complexity and Social Decision Rules
Published by Springer Nature ,1978
COMPLEXITY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN DYNAMIC SYSTEMS
Kybernetes, 1975
On the relevance of abstract algebra to control theory
Automatica, 1969