1. Emergence: Complex systems exhibit properties that arise from interactions among components, which cannot be deduced simply by examining individual parts.

2. Nonlinearity: Small changes can have disproportionate effects due to feedback loops and intricate interdependencies.

3. Self-Organization: Systems often develop order spontaneously through internal dynamics without centralized control.

4. Adaptation and Co-evolution: Components and systems adjust in response to environmental changes, highlighting a process of mutual influence and evolution.

5. Interdisciplinary Perspective: Complexity theory transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, encouraging holistic and integrative approaches to understanding systems.

Tom, the core ideas in complexity theory include:

1. Emergence – New properties arise from the interactions of parts that cannot be deduced by examining the components individually.
2. Nonlinearity – Small changes can lead to disproportionately large effects because of complex feedback mechanisms.
3. Self-Organization – Systems develop order naturally without centralized control through dynamic internal processes.
4. Adaptation and Co-evolution – Systems and their parts continuously adjust in response to environmental influences, evolving together over time.
5. Interdisciplinary Approach – The theory integrates ideas across diverse disciplines to provide a holistic perspective on understanding complex systems.