Complexity Thinking: A Middle Way for Analysts

This paper explores the implications of the incompressibility of complex systems for the analysis and modelling of such systems. In particular, a provisional epistemology (theory of knowledge) will be developed that attempts to remain faithful to the limitations derived from this aspect of complexity science. We will argue that such an investigation of complex systems highlights the relevance of paradigmatic pluralism or eclecticism, analytical creativity and boundary critique, and therefore has some affinity to the writings on affirmative postmodernism. Complexity thinking (i.e. thinking based on insights derived in complexity science), like postmodernism, provides a clear warning as to the dangers of uncritically adopting any ‘black and white’ theoretical position. It encourages the deferral of paradigm selection and a healthy scepticism. In this ‘middle way’ there is equal attention paid to qualitative as well as quantitative approaches to analysis.