Mathematics Colloquium

New research results at UNO

Department of Mathematics
University of Nebraska at Omaha


WHEN:
Wednesday, February 2, 2005 at 2:30 PM

WHERE:
Durham Science Center, Room 255

WHAT:


Jim Rogers (Faculty Candidate)

University of Nebraska at Omaha


will give a talk on

The Fractal Nature of the Emergent Theory of Life


ABSTRACT:
Emergent property (Kauffman) theory is a systems approach to understanding the fundamental structure and function of living systems. The theory that life naturally “emerges” in complex interactions of chemicals currently lacks a mathematical foundation. Is there a mathematical basis for the fundamental principle of emergence (i.e., the whole is more than the sum of the parts)? In this paper we provide evidence to show that the nontrivial dynamics necessary for emergent properties are fundamentally linked to an emergent fractal. The discovery of this unique fractal geometry underlying complex systems is a first step in the search for a mathematical foundation of emergent systems.


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