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The Impact of Science

On Simplicity & Complexity

Phillip Hoffmann gives a simple introduction to a complex subject.

Some concepts in philosophy and science are surprisingly simple while others are surprisingly complex; and exploring the meaning of such concepts can reveal some interesting surprises. Take the concepts of simplicity and complexity, for example. What is it for a thing or a system to be simple, and what is it to be complex? These are simple enough questions, but the answers are anything but, and the search for answers takes us to the heart of computer science, physics and philosophy.

On an intuitive, everyday level, we tend to associate simplicity with things that are uncomplicated and easy to understand; in fact, we assume that even a child can appreciate something if it is simple enough. Complexity, on the other hand, brings to mind the idea of difficult, complicated or sophisticated systems, problems or things.

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