Lecture 3: Complex Systems Flashcards
1
Q
what is the major goal of science
A
to demonstrate causality
2
Q
causal explanation
A
by finding and explaining the cause of a phenomenon we explain the phenomenon
3
Q
what do we need to do to provide a causal explanation
A
gather data and explain it
4
Q
pattern vs process
A
pattern: like an observed fact
prcoess: underlies the pattern, like an explanation
5
Q
proximate vs ultimate causality in biology
A
- a proximate causality is on the individual level, like a how question
- ultimate cause is evolutionary and explains the why
6
Q
why biology has an extra layer of causality
A
there’s a how and why (the ultimate causality)
7
Q
system & complex system
A
- system is a set of entities that forms a **unified whole ** (ex: car)
- complex system behaviors **cannot be inferred directly **from behavior of its parts (life)
8
Q
what makes life “complex”
A
even if every part is identified, you can’t use that knowledge to predict
9
Q
recognize kinds of questions asked asked at proximate and ultimate levels
A
