>[!abstract] >In philosophy, systems theory, science, and art, emergence occurs when a complex entity has properties or behaviors that its parts do not have on their own, and emerge only when they interact in a wider whole. > >Emergence plays a central role in theories of integrative levels and of complex systems. For instance, the phenomenon of life as studied in biology is an emergent property of chemistry and physics. > >In philosophy, theories that emphasize emergent properties have been called emergentism. ("Emergence", 2024). >[!note] >I define emergence as complexity from simple rules. It occurs when a system displays complex properties that do not exist within each individual part, so that the sum is greater than those parts' standalone characteristics. [[Assembly theory]] frames the problem with emergence as follows: >[!quote] >"The immutable laws of the Universe defined by physics laws underpin life’s origin, evolution and the development of human culture and technology, yet they do not predict the emergence of these phenomena" ([[Sharma et al., 2023]]). >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): [[Assembly theory]]; [[Complexity]] >- **West** (similar): — >- **East** (different): — >- **South** (downstream): —