Synergetics—Fundamental Attributes of the Theory of Self-Organization and Its Meaning for Economics

Abstract

The current article will focus on the fundamental idea of synergetics. It addresses the question of how to explain self-organization in a complex system. For this purpose synergetic will be explained with the use of the classic physical example, the laser light. Although the synergetic theory was developed in the field of physics, it is an interdisciplinary approach enabling the general examination of self-organization of complex systems, especially in economic contexts. The so-called swarm intelligence contributes as a bright example from another context. Furthermore, exemplifying for economic application a simple national economy will be interpreted from the synergetic perspective. From an economic perspective, finally the conclusion includes a critical reflection of the approach.