Complex Systems and Information with Prof. Karoline Wiesner

Talk of Today

This episode is another dive into what is one of the most fascinating and promising fields of our age: complexity science. It's a relatively new field that is transforming how we see and understand the world across multiple disciplines. Most importantly, it's can provide us with a deeper understanding of our collective interactions with the complex biophysical system we call, Earth and how we might avert the catastophes that loom.

Joining me today is Professor Karoline Wiesner, Professor of Complexity Science at the University of Potsdam, Germany, and Associate editor for the journals Entropy and Advances in Complex Systems

Her research focuses on the use of information theory in the study of formation, maintenance and stability of complex systems.

She is also one of the authors of the recently released book What is a Complex System, which served as the basis of my interview with her.

In our conversation, we cover:

• What is a complex system?
• What is complexity and what are some ways we can measure it?
• Why information theory and complexity science are such powerful tools for understanding the world?
• We also spend some time discussing entropy, order, and disorder, as well as a bit on how these things might be related to ethical value, which, if has been a pet interest of mine in recent times.

Unfortunately we didn't get to cover all of the topics I wishes to explore as we were bedevilled by technical difficulties, so the conversation might not flow as normal. Regardless, I still had a great time speaking with Prof. Wiesner and I hope you enjoy it as well.

Links

Prof. Wiesner's Book: What is a Complex System?

Prof. Wiesner's website

Prof. Wiesner on Research Gate

‍Book mentioned: Origin of Wealth by Eric Beinhocker

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