Definition
Complexity from simple laws is the emergence of intricate macroscopic structure from simple underlying physical rules plus boundary conditions and thermodynamic gradients.
Why It Matters
It provides a mechanism for how an incredibly intricate universe can arise from a handful of fundamental physical laws.
Core Concepts
- Simple laws can generate rich structure.
- Complexity does not require top-down design.
- Local order can increase while total entropy still increases.
- The world contains many intermediate layers between fundamental physics and life.