Path Dependence: Difference between revisions
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'''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]]. Apparently, [[Adaptive_System|adaptive systems]] are history and context dependent. Such systems are path dependent, because 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. Path dependence exists in a world of possibilities which depends on previous choices, if the kinds of doors we can go through depends on the kinds of doors we have opened before. Depending on the path of the system, the behavior, experience and outcomes may vary. | '''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]]. Apparently, [[Adaptive_System|adaptive systems]] are history and [[Context Dependence|context dependent]]. Such systems are path dependent, because 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. Path dependence exists in a world of possibilities which depends on previous choices, if the kinds of doors we can go through depends on the kinds of doors we have opened before. Depending on the path of the system, the behavior, experience and outcomes may vary. | ||
Thus path-dependent behavior occurs generally in [[Adaptive_System|adaptive systems]], if microscopic perturbations, minor fluctuations and small differences in local conditions are amplified and reinforced to macroscopic differences, especially in systems with positive feedback. Strong path dependence can be found often in systems with strong positive [[Feedback|feedback]] and is related to the [[Butterfly Effect|butterfly effect]], [[Lever_Point|lever points]] and [[Frozen Accident|frozen accidents]]. | Thus path-dependent behavior occurs generally in [[Adaptive_System|adaptive systems]], if microscopic perturbations, minor fluctuations and small differences in local conditions are amplified and reinforced to macroscopic differences, especially in systems with positive feedback. Strong path dependence can be found often in systems with strong positive [[Feedback|feedback]] and is related to the [[Butterfly Effect|butterfly effect]], [[Lever_Point|lever points]] and [[Frozen Accident|frozen accidents]]. | ||
Revision as of 16:21, 21 February 2012
Path dependence exists when the outcome of a process depends on its past history, and is certainly a property of many complex adaptive systems. Apparently, adaptive systems are history and context dependent. Such systems are path dependent, because 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. Path dependence exists in a world of possibilities which depends on previous choices, if the kinds of doors we can go through depends on the kinds of doors we have opened before. Depending on the path of the system, the behavior, experience and outcomes may vary.
Thus path-dependent behavior occurs generally in adaptive systems, if microscopic perturbations, minor fluctuations and small differences in local conditions are amplified and reinforced to macroscopic differences, especially in systems with positive feedback. Strong path dependence can be found often in systems with strong positive feedback and is related to the butterfly effect, lever points and frozen accidents.
Econmic 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 and subjective experience are path-dependent and vary strongly 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.
Path dependence is quite similar to Murray Gell-Mann's frozen accidents and John H. Holland's lever points, although both focus more on the beginning of the path than on the path itself.
