Methodology in complexity theory: Introduction (rough notes 6/7/2013)
Multilevel complexity is, by its nature, not easily studied quantitatively. My own work has used case methodology with "outliers", cases outside the norm. Quirky cases, with no obvious explanation, are often rich in theory, or at least are explainable using my existing theory.
I am not against quantitative analysis, it has its place. I wish to present a few ideas as to how case method can be used and justified in the sense of the philosophy of science. I will list them here and go on to elaborate on them in later posts.
- Process descriptions. Small, middle and large-number systems and forms of analysis (state, process and statistical descriptions). Small-number systems are simple enough to present a state description. Large-number-systems can be described statistically. Middle-number systems are too complex for state descriptions and too few for statistical description. They can only be analyzed with process or theoretical descriptions. Further, process description can be used with both small and large number systems. (Simon??)
- Theory-building epistemology: Transcendental realism. Bhashkar ??
- Socially-constructed reality: what you see depends on where you stand.
- Grounded theory ??
- Building theory through metaphor ??
- Solving complex problems: A jigsaw as a multilevel system
- The metaphor of legal case analysis: judge-made law and precedent (new)
