Session 9: The dynamic perspective: systems thinking and complexity theory

Suggested Readings:

Beattie, A.  "Figures in an epigenetic landscape" a working paper from the University of Lancaster, March 2004.  This  reviews models fo causal thinking in epidemiology and proposes alternative approaches to complexity thinking.

Boyle M, Kay J, Pond B (2001) Monitoring in support of policy: an adaptative ecosystem approach. In Munn T (eds) Encyclopedia of Global Environmental Change, vol 5

The British Medical Journal published a series of articles on complexity applied to health in 2001:  Complexity science- the challenge of complexity in health care BMJ vol 323 (15, 22, 29 September and   6 October, . 2001).  

Casti JL. (1992). Searching for certainty: what scientists can know about the future. New York : William Morrow and Co. Chapter 1: Correlations, causes and chance

Gatrell AC (2005) Complexity theory and geographies of health: a critical assessment. Social Science & Medicine 60:2661-2671

Kernick D Eds (2004). Complexity and health care organization. Radcliffe Oxford

Kernick D (2006). Wanted-new methodologies for health service research. Is complexity theory the answer? Family Practice 23: 385-390

Urry J (2003). Global complexity. Cambridge, Polity Press

Wallerstein I (2000). From sociology to historical social science: prospects and obstacles. British Journal of Sociology 51 (1):25-35

 

 Optional Readings:

There was a series of articles in a journal called "Emergence" (vol. 3, issue #1) in 2001 that introduce complexity.  Here is a selection from that issue.  For convenience, I include some of the pdf files from that issue.

Richardson K, Cilliers P. What is complexity science? A view from different directions.  Emergence 2001;3;:5-23.

Allen P.  What is complexity science?  Knowledge of the limits to knowledge.  Emergence 2001;3:24-42. 

Byrne D.  What is complexity science?  Emergence 2001;3:61-76.

Luhman JT, Boje DM.  What is complexity science? A possible answer from narrative research.  Emergence 2001;3:158-168.

Medd W.  What is complexity science?  Toward an "ecology of ignorance".  Emergence 2001;3:43-60.  

Morcol G.  What is complexity science? Postmodernist or postpositivist? Emergence 2001;3:1`04-119.

 

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