Emergence (emergent properties)

Emergent properties are exhibited by a complete (hooked-up) system that cannot be exhibited by the parts of the system in isolation (Kline 1995: 316). They depend on interactions between components, including the environment in which they exist. Consider a bicycle comprising a frame, two wheels, pedals, a drive chain, saddle, handlebars, brakes etc. The primary emergent property of dynamic balance is only produced by the combination of the rider and the bicycle. Only when human power, control and intelligence, and a road surface, are added does the bicycle become a means of transport. Take any one away and the system falls apart. Emergent properties therefore cannot be predicted solely by looking at the components. See Flood (1999), Kline (1995), Senge (1990); and Stevens, et al., (1998).