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complexity theory

Essays tagged “complexity theory”. Follow an idea across the archive.

Essays on complexity theory

2 essays

Aug 25, 2026ACX

Highlights From The Comments On The Substack Religion Debate

Scott defends his dismissal of the Substack religion debate against charges of hypocrisy and engages with technical objections about Kolmogorov complexity, arguing that 'mind without limits' isn't actually simple and that explaining multiple anomalies with God is like explaining Napoleon's success with aliens.

33 min read 4,980 words

Jun 3, 2021ACX

Your Book Review: The Collapse Of Complex Societies

This review examines Joseph Tainter's theory of societal collapse due to diminishing returns on complexity, critiquing aspects of the model and attempting to apply it to modern contexts.

40 min read 6,174 words

book review complexity theory historical analysis