The purpose of a complex system is to modify its internal state such that it replicates the ‘ideal’ state for that system. This is achieved by comparing actual and desired states (Downing, 2002), taking corrective action by utilising the processes it can control to manipulate its state as close to the ideal state as possible. An example in nature of a complex system is homeostasis. This control system can be linked through evolution to the steady state reached by macromolecules millions of years ago. These theories of ‘control systems’ such

Complex systems in nature can be seen to evolve from the steady state of macromolecules (Costa, 2002). Billions of years ago modern theory hypothesises that there was no animate object but rather a large collection of atoms. Applying evolution theory on the atomic level it can be derived that molecules were formed from atoms that joined having a steady state. The next step in this process is the idea that these molecules randomly interacting with each other would, at times form larger steady state molecules; macromolecules. Some of these large structures had the ability of keeping steady state when splitting, and then attracting the molecules it needed to reform; duplication. This process, is the modern basis of the modern theory regarding the evolution of life, which in simple terms can be described as the process of prolonging a type of structure through; duplication, reproduction or other processes.

Complex systems in nature and machines have been discussed along with control system theory. This essay has shown that there are analogies between the two, and that in fact the evolution of complex systems in machines draws upon observations made on the evolution of complex systems in nature.

as homeostasis have been applied mechanically to produce various complex systems such as room temperature control by a heating device.

Bear, M

Some topics in this essay:
Cognitive Science, Connors Paradiso, ABSTRACT Complex, complex systems, Structure Function, Neuroscience Exploring, control system, campbell 1993, complex system, systems nature, temperature control, optimum temperature, body temperature, costa 2002, cognitive science, evolution complex systems, complex systems nature, nerve cells called, systems nature machines, connors paradiso 1996,