Definition

1. Noun:
   • The appearance of entirely new properties at certain critical stages in the course of evolution: This concept in evolutionary biology and philosophy of science refers to the idea that novel and unpredictable characteristics, functions, or levels of organization arise at specific thresholds during evolutionary history. These emergent properties are not simply the sum of pre-existing parts and cannot be fully predicted from earlier stages.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The development of consciousness is often cited as an example of emergent evolution.
  • The theory of emergent evolution suggests that life itself was a novel property that arose from non-living chemical processes.

Advanced Usage

• In philosophical discourse: The term is often used in discussions about reductionism versus holism, debating whether complex systems can be fully explained by their constituent parts.
  • The debate centered on whether the mind could be explained by brain chemistry or if it required a model of emergent evolution.

Variants and Related Words

• Emergence (n): The process of coming into being or becoming important; in science, the process where larger entities arise through interactions among smaller entities.
  • The emergence of flight in insects was a key evolutionary event.
• Emergent (adj): Arising as a result of emergence; coming into view or existence.
  • The emergent properties of a complex system are fascinating to study.

Synonyms

• Evolutionary emergence
• Novelty in evolution

Related Concepts (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Saltation: A sudden, large evolutionary change, which can be related to the idea of critical stages in emergent evolution.
• Complexity theory: A field that studies how complex systems and patterns arise out of simple interactions, closely related to concepts of emergence.

Noun

1. the appearance of entirely new properties at certain critical stages in the course of evolution