Dynamical Systems Theory

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to track the rise of Dynamical Systems Theory and its correlate, Chaos and Complexity Theory, in the hard sciences and explore their relevance to the humanities in general, using examples from the field of applied linguistics in particular. More specifically, this article (1) discusses the concepts of 'classical determinism', 'reductionism', 'fractals', 'chaos' and 'complexity'; (2) suggests ways that they can be applied in the humanities through interdisciplinary research and innovative methodologies; and (3) calls on humanists to tackle the epistemological ramifications of this new paradigm.