1, 2, a few, and many

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to: give a brief history of the development of complexity science for people unfamiliar with the details of complexity science; describe the different types of complexity; discuss examples of the types of complexity, and introduce some ideas about how complexity could be introduced into education.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes other work in the field of complexity science, and organizes the results in a new way with the intent of making a difficult subject easier for the reader to understand.

Findings

Two different types of complexity are described – organized and unorganized. The focus of the paper is on organized complexity of which three categories are described – complicated, chaotic and critical. Examples, descriptions and characteristics of each category are given.

Practical implications

Suggestions are given as to how this transformational science could be integrated into education.

Originality/value

The paper summarizes other work in the field of complexity science, and organizes the results in a new way with the intent of making a difficult subject easier for the reader to understand.

Citation

Schumann, P. (2010), "1, 2, a few, and many", On the Horizon, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 25-44. https://doi.org/10.1108/10748121011020985