AN APPROACH TOWARDS HOLISM IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

作     者：Jason SHERWIN 

作者机构：Department of Aerospace EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology 

出 版 物：《Journal of Systems Science and Systems Engineering》 (系统科学与系统工程学报（英文版）)

年 卷 期：2010年第19卷第3期

页      面：285-305页

核心收录：

学科分类：0711[理学-系统科学] 07[理学] 071102[理学-系统分析与集成] 

基　　金：sponsored by Prof. Dimitri Mavris and the Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory 

主　　题：Reductionism holism agent-based modeling linearizations multi-disciplinary optimization complex phenomena understanding Markov-chain vector space hierarchical temporal memories neuroscience-influenced computing 

摘      要：This paper posits the desirability of a shift towards a holistic approach over reductionist approaches in the understanding of complex phenomena encountered in science and engineering. An argument based on set theory is used to analyze three examples that illustrate the shortcomings of the reductionist approach. Using these cases as motivational points, a holistic approach to understand complex phenomena is proposed, whereby the human brain acts as a template to do so. Recognizing the need to maintain the transparency of the analysis provided by reductionism, a promising computational approach is offered by which the brain is used as a template for understanding complex phenomena. Some of the details of implementing this approach are also addressed.