Le projet épistémique des sciences des systèmes complexes

Abstract

The present article describes the epistemic project of complex systems sciences. The Santa Fe Institute founded in 1984 (New Mexico, United States) was the first theoretical research institute to focus on complex systems sciences as a field of research for studying the network of relationships within and between systems. Described by some as post-Laplacian, holist and antireductionist, the field of complex systems sciences relies heavily on a multidisciplinary approach to fundamental theoretical questions across the domains of physical and social science. Proponents such as renowned journalists and sociologists have declared the developing domain as the advent of a new revolutionary paradigm for all fields of knowledge. The specific aim of this text is to show that the epistemic project of complexity science is less pluralist, anti-positivist and antireductionist than some would claim. Further, I will examine why the epistemological and ontological framework of these sciences have remained both analytic and reductionist in physicalist, computational, mathematical and biological manners.