The upcoming launch of the new co-authored book "Atlas of Social Complexity: The Present Future" on 10 September 2024, brings together the expertise of Brian Castellani and Lasse Gerrits. The book charters the scientific state of the art regarding social complexity, from the level of micro-organisms to cities. They focus on emerging trends and future directions and hope that the book can inspire other researchers to discover new ways to understand social complexity.
Read on to discover more about the book and its authors.
The making of the book
The collaboration between Lasse and Brian began in 2018, leveraging their combined decades of research and experience. With backgrounds in teaching, attending workshops, and holding fellowships at the Institute for Advanced Study at the University of Amsterdam, they have shaped their analysis with a multifaceted approach. Lasse focuses on diverse research methodologies, while also addressing the importance of art as a way of creating inspired scientific work. For both authors, art and the creative process have been key sources of inspiration. Their book features their artworks as well as those of their colleagues, reflecting the deep influence of arts on their research.
Inside the book
What started as a project to document past progress has evolved into an exploration of future possibilities. The title of the book "Atlas of Social Complexity" reflects this journey.
Over the past thirty years, complexity theory has increasingly focused on computational methods, modelling, and network science. Dr. Gerrits explains that while these technical advancements are valuable, they often overlook the integration of broader social science perspectives. Their book tackles this issue by exploring what is known as the "social science turn" in complexity. This term highlights the need for a richer integration of social science insights with technical research.
"This book brings a healthy dose of creativity and alternative approaches to complexity theory. We call this the social science turn in complexity."
Lasse Gerrits
Dr. Castellani notes, “By taking this approach, we identified several themes, from cognition, emotion, and consciousness, to the dynamics of human psychology and social networks, to collective behaviour and politics, to governance, technology and planning, as well as the practice of social interventions.”
Furthermore, the book explores how advancements in AI and digital technologies interact with social life. It also highlights how digitalization redefines our relationship with technology, focusing on post-humanism and transhumanism.
"The Atlas is unique in that it looks at the future much more than in the past."
Brian Castellani
Unpacking the Digital Impact
Dr. Castellani discusses the dual nature of technology's impact, noting that we now live in complex urban environments connected to a global technology network, all of which influences what social life has become today. Dr. Gerrits adds, "With digital tools, we see that people can learn how to operate them, but very few people know how they work. This creates a strange gap between what people do and understand." This lack of transparency, he notes, is especially problematic when machines produce results without clear explanations.
From Micro to Macro
In their book, the authors discuss methods such as modelling and simulation to unpack the complexity of interplay between micro-level and macro-level social dynamics. The book aims to inspire readers to reflect on how their actions connect with larger social and environmental systems, bridging the gap between individual experiences and broader societal structures.
Mark 10 September in your calendar
Date: 10 September 2024
Time: 15.00 CET
Place: Oude Turfmarkt 145-147 (please use the entrance at 147) 1012 GC Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
About the authors
Brian Castellani’s extensive history working in healthcare and clinical psychology provides valuable applied perspectives on social complexity. He is currently leading the Durham Research Methods Centre and is a Sociology Professor at Durham University (UK).
Lasse Gerrits has a diverse academic background that spans public administration, spatial planning, and political science. This broad expertise allows him to examine both theoretical and practical aspects of social complexity. He serves as the Academic Director at the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies and is a Professor of Governance of Complex Urban Transformations.