Path Dependence

From CasGroup

'''Path dependence''' exists when the outcome of a process depends on its past history, and is certainly a property of many [[Complex Adaptive System|complex adaptive systems]]. It can be found in systems with strong positive [[Feedback|feedback]] and is related to the [[Butterfly Effect|butterfly effect]] and [[Frozen Accident|frozen accidents]]. In path dependent systems, the behavior in the current situation depends on the previous behaviors of the system during the history of existence, rather than simply on current conditions. depend on the path of the system, the behavior, experience and outcomes may vary. Examples are the QWERTY layout in typewriters which is still used in computer keyboards, or file line endings for different operating systems (originally CRLF in Windows, and in LF in Linux and CR in Mac). Phenomenal [[Consciousness|consciousness]] is path-dependent and varies from person to person, because each person has a different history, has met different people during the past, and is adapted to a slighty different world. == References == * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Path_dependence Main Wikipedia Entry for Path Dependence] [[Category:Basic Principles]]

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