The emergence of new properties in the life system -Attending the 32th annual meeting-

Abstract

  In this short review, studies concerning life systems are summarized from the viewpoint of emergent properties. In the systems science and philosophical areas, the word ‘emergence’ has generally been used for the appearances of new properties in a whole system, which possesses a hierarchical structure and involves many elements interacting with each other. Additionally, in the complex systems science the undecompositionality between the system and the parts are taken into account. From the standpoint of ‘emergence’ it is discussed what kind of properties are necessary for the life system, which can evolve, and some issues concerning evolution are discussed in the last chapter.