Complexity, Supercomplexity and Supercomplex Knowledge

The concept of "supercomplexity" was introduced by Ronald Barnett (1999) to refer to how higher education institutions must adapt to this new reality, characterized by the multiplicity of perspectives, uncertainties, and conflicts in knowledge and society.

For Supercomplex Knowledge (2024), "supercomplexity" is a concept that expands, without replacing, the concept of "complexity." Its object of study is complex systems, which are understood to be internally composed of multiple other complex systems that interact and operate across various macro-scales with other complex systems. In this sense, the concept of "complexity" primarily refers to the intra- and inter-system dynamics between the three central components of complex systems: energy flows, structural morphology, and temporal connectivity.

For Supercomplex Knowledge, "supercomplexity" is a relational and situational concept that refers, on one hand, to the intra- and inter-system combinatorics of complex systems that evolve within the universe, producing a greater variety of objects and functions, and on the other hand, to the brain’s process of generating new neural connections to describe, predict, and modify challenging complex systems. In other words, "supercomplexity" is an intertwining, a combination resulting from: a) the dynamic, evolutionary, circular, and stochastic interaction between energy flows, structural morphologies, and temporal connectivity within a complex system and among interconnected complex systems, b) a network of interdependencies produced by a triple bidirectional overlap between macrosystems (microparticles, macroscopic, and biological), each with its own specific descriptors, and c) the activity of a human researcher-developer who, in addition to being a complex system, generates categories and co-evolves with these complex systems.

In the evolutionary process of knowledge from the perspective of Supercomplex Knowledge, two key ideas stand out: the intra- and inter-system combinatorics of complex systems and the neural plasticity of the human researcher-developer. Both ideas reflect a focus on interdependence and adaptability, not only at the universal level but also at the cognitive level.

What is interesting about this vision is how it articulates a continuous feedback loop between the human brain and the tools of observation. As we learn more about complex systems, we discover limits to our cognitive capacity, which drives the development of new technologies and observation strategies. These tools enhance our understanding of both the universe and our own cognitive processes, creating a virtuous cycle of scientific and adaptive advancement. This sequence suggests a constant dynamic of expanding knowledge. AI and advanced technologies further extend this capacity, but they also challenge us to reconsider how we process and organize information. Complex systems are not merely observed; they also play a role in the evolution of our cognitive abilities.

The essence of Supercomplex Knowledge lies in the constant interaction between knowledge, technology, and brain evolution, which allows us to adapt and redefine our tools of understanding. This process seems endless, making Supercomplex Knowledge a truly dynamic and expansive paradigm. Supercomplex Knowledge goes beyond traditional approaches by proposing a bidirectional and multidimensional interaction between macrosystems (microparticles, macroscopic, and biological), and this should be seen as an expansion or reinterpretation that introduces a new level of detail and combinatorics, and as an evolution or differentiation of current thought in this field. This could require a process of validation and discussion within the scientific community for it to be fully integrated.