Lecture 3: Complex Systems

Question 1

what is the major goal of science

Answer 1

to demonstrate causality

Question 2

causal explanation

Answer 2

by finding and explaining the cause of a phenomenon we explain the phenomenon

Question 3

what do we need to do to provide a causal explanation

Answer 3

gather data and explain it

Question 4

pattern vs process

Answer 4

pattern: like an observed fact
prcoess: underlies the pattern, like an explanation

Question 5

proximate vs ultimate causality in biology

Answer 5

• a proximate causality is on the individual level, like a how question
• ultimate cause is evolutionary and explains the why

Question 6

why biology has an extra layer of causality

Answer 6

there’s a how and why (the ultimate causality)

Question 7

system & complex system

Answer 7

• system is a set of entities that forms a **unified whole ** (ex: car)
• complex system behaviors **cannot be inferred directly **from behavior of its parts (life)

Question 8

what makes life “complex”

Answer 8

even if every part is identified, you can’t use that knowledge to predict

Question 9

recognize kinds of questions asked asked at proximate and ultimate levels