Disease as a Complex System

Catalog description

Disease and failure are properties of complex systems. All organisms, groups, societies, technologies, ecosystems and the planetary system are complex systems. Disease can be seen as a failure in complex system function and has, at its root cause, the breakdown of complex regulatory structures that maintain function and facilitate adaptation. Comprehensive introduction into the origins, mechanisms and consequences of disease in a number of complex systems ranging from organisms to the planet and the technosphere. Explores disease, failure and health of these systems and investigates the underlying complex systems properties that are responsible for these different states. Identifies common features of failure across complex systems.