There are many, many unsolved problems in Complexity theory. Take a
look at Bedau  et al., Open problems in artificial life,  Artificial
Life   6 (2000) for just some that relate to the subfield of
Artificial Life.

I am sceptical that complexity theory will ever successfully be used
to effect politcal change. Call me a cynic if you like, but complexity
theory, chaos theory and before that catastrophe theory were used to
bash opponents about the head with clever sounding theoretical
constructs that in reality had little connection to the subject.

CT will probably have greater impact in biological sciences, in
evolution or ecology studies, and perhaps in economics. Even there,
though, cultural factors will limit the impact.

Cheers

On Fri, May 25, 2007 at 04:45:43PM -0400, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Following our FRIAM discussion this morning, I would like to suggest that  
> there might be two foci for the future of complexity theory (CT): 
> -refining CT and creating a more formal, yet user friendly, framework or  
> tool;
> -using CT to promote progressive social and political change (as Owen said  
> it is difficult to believe that Americans are so ill-informed to vote for the 
>  
> Bush gang a second time).
>  
> If this seems too simplistic, please excuse me, since I am a newcomer to CT  
> and certainly not a programmer and as I get older only have opinions, not 
> ideas.  Does anybody have any ideas,  oracle Nick included?
>  
> cheers Paul 
> 
> 
> 
> ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

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-- 

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A/Prof Russell Standish                  Phone 0425 253119 (mobile)
Mathematics                              
UNSW SYDNEY 2052                         [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Australia                                http://www.hpcoders.com.au
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