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Exploring the foundations of complexity economics from process ontology to generative explanation

2026/07/02 by Sandye Gloria · 1 voice
Economics, Econometrics and Finance · Computer Science · #Economic and Technological Innovation #Chaos, Complexity, and Education #Complex Systems and Time Series Analysis

paper · doi:10.1080/1350178x.2026.2697439

openalex publication_date 2026/07/02 · openalex created_date 2026/07/03 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/04

Abstract

This paper argues that the foundations of complexity economics can be clarified through a coherent framework centered on process, historical time, reflexivity, and emergence. It examines how this processual ontology shapes a generativist conception of explanation and supports methodological approaches such as agent-based modeling. Particular attention is given to the concept of emergence, which links ontology, explanation, and methodology while providing a common language for analyzing adaptive and evolving economic systems. Rather than viewing complexity economics as a mere collection of tools, the paper interprets it as a research program whose identity stems from the coherent articulation of its ontological, epistemological, methodological, and conceptual dimensions. Its contribution lies not in replacing methodological pluralism, but in providing a framework capable of organizing diverse approaches around shared ontological and epistemological principles.

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