Michael J. North and Charles M. Macal
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195172119
- eISBN:
- 9780199789894
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195172119.003.0004
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Strategy
This chapter presents the history of agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS) including John Conway's “Game of Life”, Thomas Schelling's housing segregation model, and John Holland's seven features ...
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This chapter presents the history of agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS) including John Conway's “Game of Life”, Thomas Schelling's housing segregation model, and John Holland's seven features of complex adaptive systems. It also discusses how ABMS is related to important neighboring fields of knowledge and technology such as multi-agent systems, management science, operations research, and network science.Less
This chapter presents the history of agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS) including John Conway's “Game of Life”, Thomas Schelling's housing segregation model, and John Holland's seven features of complex adaptive systems. It also discusses how ABMS is related to important neighboring fields of knowledge and technology such as multi-agent systems, management science, operations research, and network science.
Joshua M. Epstein
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691158884
- eISBN:
- 9781400848256
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691158884.001.0001
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Applied Mathematics
This book introduces a new theoretical entity: Agent_Zero. This software individual, or “agent,” is endowed with distinct emotional/affective, cognitive/deliberative, and social modules. Grounded in ...
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This book introduces a new theoretical entity: Agent_Zero. This software individual, or “agent,” is endowed with distinct emotional/affective, cognitive/deliberative, and social modules. Grounded in contemporary neuroscience, these internal components interact to generate observed, often far-from-rational, individual behavior. When multiple agents of this new type move and interact spatially, they collectively generate an astonishing range of dynamics spanning the fields of social conflict, psychology, public health, law, network science, and economics. The book weaves a computational tapestry with threads from Plato, David Hume, Charles Darwin, Ivan Pavlov, Adam Smith, Leo Tolstoy, Karl Marx, William James, and Fyodor Dostoevsky, among others. This transformative synthesis of social philosophy, cognitive neuroscience, and agent-based modeling will fascinate scholars and students of every stripe. Computer programs are provided in the book or available online. This book is a signal departure in what it includes (e.g., a new synthesis of neurally grounded internal modules), what it eschews (e.g., standard behavioral imitation), the phenomena it generates (from genocide to financial panic), and the modeling arsenal it offers the scientific community. For generative social science, this book presents a ground-breaking vision and the tools to realize it.Less
This book introduces a new theoretical entity: Agent_Zero. This software individual, or “agent,” is endowed with distinct emotional/affective, cognitive/deliberative, and social modules. Grounded in contemporary neuroscience, these internal components interact to generate observed, often far-from-rational, individual behavior. When multiple agents of this new type move and interact spatially, they collectively generate an astonishing range of dynamics spanning the fields of social conflict, psychology, public health, law, network science, and economics. The book weaves a computational tapestry with threads from Plato, David Hume, Charles Darwin, Ivan Pavlov, Adam Smith, Leo Tolstoy, Karl Marx, William James, and Fyodor Dostoevsky, among others. This transformative synthesis of social philosophy, cognitive neuroscience, and agent-based modeling will fascinate scholars and students of every stripe. Computer programs are provided in the book or available online. This book is a signal departure in what it includes (e.g., a new synthesis of neurally grounded internal modules), what it eschews (e.g., standard behavioral imitation), the phenomena it generates (from genocide to financial panic), and the modeling arsenal it offers the scientific community. For generative social science, this book presents a ground-breaking vision and the tools to realize it.
Ginestra Bianconi
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- July 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198753919
- eISBN:
- 9780191815676
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198753919.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Theoretical, Computational, and Statistical Physics
Multilayer networks are formed by several networks that interact with each other and co-evolve. Multilayer networks include social networks, financial markets, transportation systems, infrastructures ...
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Multilayer networks are formed by several networks that interact with each other and co-evolve. Multilayer networks include social networks, financial markets, transportation systems, infrastructures and molecular networks and the brain. The multilayer structure of these networks strongly affects the properties of dynamical and stochastic processes defined on them, which can display unexpected characteristics. For example, interdependencies between different networks of a multilayer structure can cause cascades of failure events that can dramatically increase the fragility of these systems; spreading of diseases, opinions and ideas might take advantage of multilayer network topology and spread even when its single layers cannot sustain an epidemic when taken in isolation; diffusion on multilayer transportation networks can significantly speed up with respect to diffusion on single layers; finally, the interplay between multiplexity and controllability of multilayer networks is a problem with major consequences in financial, transportation, molecular biology and brain networks. This field is one of the most prosperous recent developments of Network Science and Data Science. Multilayer networks include multiplex networks, multi-slice temporal networks, networks of networks, interdependent networks. Multilayer networks are characterized by having a highly correlated multilayer network structure, providing a significant advantage for extracting information from them using multilayer network measures and centralities and community detection methods. The multilayer network dynamics (including percolation, epidemic spreading, diffusion, synchronization, game theory and control) is strongly affected by the multilayer network topology. This book will present a comprehensive account of this emerging field.Less
Multilayer networks are formed by several networks that interact with each other and co-evolve. Multilayer networks include social networks, financial markets, transportation systems, infrastructures and molecular networks and the brain. The multilayer structure of these networks strongly affects the properties of dynamical and stochastic processes defined on them, which can display unexpected characteristics. For example, interdependencies between different networks of a multilayer structure can cause cascades of failure events that can dramatically increase the fragility of these systems; spreading of diseases, opinions and ideas might take advantage of multilayer network topology and spread even when its single layers cannot sustain an epidemic when taken in isolation; diffusion on multilayer transportation networks can significantly speed up with respect to diffusion on single layers; finally, the interplay between multiplexity and controllability of multilayer networks is a problem with major consequences in financial, transportation, molecular biology and brain networks. This field is one of the most prosperous recent developments of Network Science and Data Science. Multilayer networks include multiplex networks, multi-slice temporal networks, networks of networks, interdependent networks. Multilayer networks are characterized by having a highly correlated multilayer network structure, providing a significant advantage for extracting information from them using multilayer network measures and centralities and community detection methods. The multilayer network dynamics (including percolation, epidemic spreading, diffusion, synchronization, game theory and control) is strongly affected by the multilayer network topology. This book will present a comprehensive account of this emerging field.
Michael Wolf-Branigin
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199829460
- eISBN:
- 9780199315895
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199829460.003.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
Complexity has achieved this paradigm status in both physical and social science disciplines, and forms a theoretical underpinning in fields including communications and linguistics. Complexity has ...
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Complexity has achieved this paradigm status in both physical and social science disciplines, and forms a theoretical underpinning in fields including communications and linguistics. Complexity has not yet reached a similar status in social work. The study of complexity arose because a group of scientists believed that complex systems across many natural, societal, and technological domains shared similarities. These similarities include being adaptive, self-correcting, or emergent. This introduction traces the beginning of this emerging field of inquiry and introduces related concepts often found in complex systems that are relevant to social work research and evaluation.Less
Complexity has achieved this paradigm status in both physical and social science disciplines, and forms a theoretical underpinning in fields including communications and linguistics. Complexity has not yet reached a similar status in social work. The study of complexity arose because a group of scientists believed that complex systems across many natural, societal, and technological domains shared similarities. These similarities include being adaptive, self-correcting, or emergent. This introduction traces the beginning of this emerging field of inquiry and introduces related concepts often found in complex systems that are relevant to social work research and evaluation.
Akira Namatame and Shu-Heng Chen
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- March 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198708285
- eISBN:
- 9780191779404
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198708285.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Theoretical, Computational, and Statistical Physics
The book integrates agent-based modeling and network science. It is divided into three parts, namely, foundations, primary dynamics on and of social networks, and applications. The book begins with ...
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The book integrates agent-based modeling and network science. It is divided into three parts, namely, foundations, primary dynamics on and of social networks, and applications. The book begins with the network origin of agent-based models, known as cellular automata, and introduce a number of classic models, such as Schelling’s segregation model and Axelrod’s spatial game. The essence of the foundation part is the network-based agent-based models in which agents follow network-based decision rules. Under the influence of the substantial progress in network science in late 1990s, these models have been extended from using lattices into using small-world networks, scale-free networks, etc. The book also shows that the modern network science mainly driven by game-theorists and sociophysicists has inspired agent-based social scientists to develop alternative formation algorithms, known as agent-based social networks. The book reviews a number of pioneering and representative models in this family. Upon the given foundation, the second part reviews three primary forms of network dynamics, i.e., diffusions, cascades, and influences. These primary dynamics are further extended and enriched by practical networks in goods-and-service markets, labor markets, and international trade. The book ends with two challenging issues using agent-based models of networks, i.e., network risks and economic growth.Less
The book integrates agent-based modeling and network science. It is divided into three parts, namely, foundations, primary dynamics on and of social networks, and applications. The book begins with the network origin of agent-based models, known as cellular automata, and introduce a number of classic models, such as Schelling’s segregation model and Axelrod’s spatial game. The essence of the foundation part is the network-based agent-based models in which agents follow network-based decision rules. Under the influence of the substantial progress in network science in late 1990s, these models have been extended from using lattices into using small-world networks, scale-free networks, etc. The book also shows that the modern network science mainly driven by game-theorists and sociophysicists has inspired agent-based social scientists to develop alternative formation algorithms, known as agent-based social networks. The book reviews a number of pioneering and representative models in this family. Upon the given foundation, the second part reviews three primary forms of network dynamics, i.e., diffusions, cascades, and influences. These primary dynamics are further extended and enriched by practical networks in goods-and-service markets, labor markets, and international trade. The book ends with two challenging issues using agent-based models of networks, i.e., network risks and economic growth.
Carl Knappett (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199697090
- eISBN:
- 9780191745300
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199697090.001.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Archaeology: Classical
While the study of networks has grown exponentially in the past decade and is now having an impact on how archaeologists study ancient societies, its emergence in the field has been dislocated. This ...
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While the study of networks has grown exponentially in the past decade and is now having an impact on how archaeologists study ancient societies, its emergence in the field has been dislocated. This book provides a coherent framework on network analysis in current archaeological practice by pulling together its main themes and approaches to show how it is changing the way archaeologists face the key questions of regional interaction. Working with the term ‘network’ as a collection of nodes and links, as used in network science and social network analysis, it juxtaposes a range of case studies and investigates the positives and negatives of network analysis. With contributions by leading experts in the field, the volume covers a broad range: from Japan to America, from the Palaeolithic to the Precolumbian.Less
While the study of networks has grown exponentially in the past decade and is now having an impact on how archaeologists study ancient societies, its emergence in the field has been dislocated. This book provides a coherent framework on network analysis in current archaeological practice by pulling together its main themes and approaches to show how it is changing the way archaeologists face the key questions of regional interaction. Working with the term ‘network’ as a collection of nodes and links, as used in network science and social network analysis, it juxtaposes a range of case studies and investigates the positives and negatives of network analysis. With contributions by leading experts in the field, the volume covers a broad range: from Japan to America, from the Palaeolithic to the Precolumbian.
Akira Namatame and Shu-Heng Chen
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- March 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198708285
- eISBN:
- 9780191779404
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198708285.003.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Theoretical, Computational, and Statistical Physics
This book is about the integration of agent-based modeling and network science. The leading chapter gives a brief historical review as a background and motivation of the book. The historical review ...
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This book is about the integration of agent-based modeling and network science. The leading chapter gives a brief historical review as a background and motivation of the book. The historical review begins with the network origin of agent-based models, the rising of autonomous agents and network sciences, the game-theoretic formulation of networks, and the agent-based formulation of networks, and ends with networks as an alternative manifestation of markets. Along this series of development, we see how network work becomes an indispensable element of agent-based models, and how agents-based models can be a powerful tool for modeling the dynamics on and of networks. With this large picture, the book is divided into three parts: foundations, primary dynamics on and of networks, and applications.Less
This book is about the integration of agent-based modeling and network science. The leading chapter gives a brief historical review as a background and motivation of the book. The historical review begins with the network origin of agent-based models, the rising of autonomous agents and network sciences, the game-theoretic formulation of networks, and the agent-based formulation of networks, and ends with networks as an alternative manifestation of markets. Along this series of development, we see how network work becomes an indispensable element of agent-based models, and how agents-based models can be a powerful tool for modeling the dynamics on and of networks. With this large picture, the book is divided into three parts: foundations, primary dynamics on and of networks, and applications.
Ginestra Bianconi
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- July 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198753919
- eISBN:
- 9780191815676
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198753919.003.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Theoretical, Computational, and Statistical Physics
Chapter 1 constitutes Part I of the book: ‘Single and Multilayer Networks’. This chapter introduces multilayer networks as an important new development of Network Science that allows a more ...
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Chapter 1 constitutes Part I of the book: ‘Single and Multilayer Networks’. This chapter introduces multilayer networks as an important new development of Network Science that allows a more comprehensive understanding of Complex Systems. It identifies the main motivations driving the research activity in this field of multilayer networks and emphasizes the benefits of taking a multilayer network perpective to characterize network data. The main advantages of a multilayer network approach with respect to the more traditional single layer characterization of complex networks are broadly discussed, focusing on the information gain resulting from the analysis of multilayer networks, the non-reducibility of a multilayer network to a large single network and the rich interplay between structure and function in multilayer networks.Less
Chapter 1 constitutes Part I of the book: ‘Single and Multilayer Networks’. This chapter introduces multilayer networks as an important new development of Network Science that allows a more comprehensive understanding of Complex Systems. It identifies the main motivations driving the research activity in this field of multilayer networks and emphasizes the benefits of taking a multilayer network perpective to characterize network data. The main advantages of a multilayer network approach with respect to the more traditional single layer characterization of complex networks are broadly discussed, focusing on the information gain resulting from the analysis of multilayer networks, the non-reducibility of a multilayer network to a large single network and the rich interplay between structure and function in multilayer networks.
Douglas A. Luke, Amar Dhand, and Bobbi J. Carothers
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- March 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190492397
- eISBN:
- 9780190492427
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190492397.003.0010
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Public Health
This chapter attempts to answer the following five questions: (1) What is network science and social network analysis? (2) Why are networks important for studying, understanding, and influencing ...
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This chapter attempts to answer the following five questions: (1) What is network science and social network analysis? (2) Why are networks important for studying, understanding, and influencing population health? (3) What do we know about how social networks influence population health, especially infectious and chronic diseases and their associated risk factors? (4) What are the primary methods used by network scientists when studying health? (5) What are some important challenges and opportunities for social network analysis and population health? In so doing this chapter sets the stage for the reader to become familiar with social network analysis as a tool for population health.Less
This chapter attempts to answer the following five questions: (1) What is network science and social network analysis? (2) Why are networks important for studying, understanding, and influencing population health? (3) What do we know about how social networks influence population health, especially infectious and chronic diseases and their associated risk factors? (4) What are the primary methods used by network scientists when studying health? (5) What are some important challenges and opportunities for social network analysis and population health? In so doing this chapter sets the stage for the reader to become familiar with social network analysis as a tool for population health.
Ulises Ali Mejias
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- August 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780816678990
- eISBN:
- 9781452948355
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Minnesota Press
- DOI:
- 10.5749/minnesota/9780816678990.003.0003
- Subject:
- Sociology, Science, Technology and Environment
This chapter studies the scientific and technological paradigms behind digital networks, and how they have been applied in the assemblage of digital social networks. The technological part of digital ...
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This chapter studies the scientific and technological paradigms behind digital networks, and how they have been applied in the assemblage of digital social networks. The technological part of digital networks is made up of computer code or algorithms. Human-computer interaction (HCI) enables easier computer interaction by moving away from designing procedures and toward analyzing interactions, the fluid interplay between machines and humans. The chapter then considers how computer science and network science give shape to a network that structures sociality for its users. These sciences help transform social signs and meanings into technological templates that organize reality.Less
This chapter studies the scientific and technological paradigms behind digital networks, and how they have been applied in the assemblage of digital social networks. The technological part of digital networks is made up of computer code or algorithms. Human-computer interaction (HCI) enables easier computer interaction by moving away from designing procedures and toward analyzing interactions, the fluid interplay between machines and humans. The chapter then considers how computer science and network science give shape to a network that structures sociality for its users. These sciences help transform social signs and meanings into technological templates that organize reality.
Michael Wolf-Branigin
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199829460
- eISBN:
- 9780199315895
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199829460.003.0004
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
Several mathematical and statistical concepts that support investigating complex phenomena within social work need reinforcing. This chapter reviews several of these concepts so that readers may ...
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Several mathematical and statistical concepts that support investigating complex phenomena within social work need reinforcing. This chapter reviews several of these concepts so that readers may apply them when investigating complexity in social work. Reviewing and building upon this general knowledge provides a sufficient basis for understanding complex networks and interconnected environments in which social workers conduct their practices and research. After completing this chapter, readers will gain a preliminary understanding of the mathematical concepts behind complexity theory, understand the role of game theory in the development of complexity, and possess the ability to link these mathematical concepts to social service applications.Less
Several mathematical and statistical concepts that support investigating complex phenomena within social work need reinforcing. This chapter reviews several of these concepts so that readers may apply them when investigating complexity in social work. Reviewing and building upon this general knowledge provides a sufficient basis for understanding complex networks and interconnected environments in which social workers conduct their practices and research. After completing this chapter, readers will gain a preliminary understanding of the mathematical concepts behind complexity theory, understand the role of game theory in the development of complexity, and possess the ability to link these mathematical concepts to social service applications.
Carl Knappett
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199697090
- eISBN:
- 9780191745300
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199697090.003.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Archaeology: Classical
This introductory chapter begins with a brief description of the use of the term ‘network’ in this volume, followed by discussions of non-network and network approaches. An overview of the subsequent ...
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This introductory chapter begins with a brief description of the use of the term ‘network’ in this volume, followed by discussions of non-network and network approaches. An overview of the subsequent chapters is also presented. All the contributions in this volume make explicit use of network models, and the majority from social network analysis (SNA). Many deal with themes that are not a particular strength of SNA, such as dynamic time evolution, geography, and material culture. There are ways of making more use of the powerful techniques of network science, at the risk of moving away from the social questions that ought to be primary; and at the other end of the spectrum, there are those more firmly embedded in the humanities making use of network ideas more figuratively.Less
This introductory chapter begins with a brief description of the use of the term ‘network’ in this volume, followed by discussions of non-network and network approaches. An overview of the subsequent chapters is also presented. All the contributions in this volume make explicit use of network models, and the majority from social network analysis (SNA). Many deal with themes that are not a particular strength of SNA, such as dynamic time evolution, geography, and material culture. There are ways of making more use of the powerful techniques of network science, at the risk of moving away from the social questions that ought to be primary; and at the other end of the spectrum, there are those more firmly embedded in the humanities making use of network ideas more figuratively.
R. Alexander Bentley
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262013338
- eISBN:
- 9780262259101
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262013338.003.0008
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter is concerned with the characterization of innovation using the random-copying (neutral) model. It explores databases to test differences between genres over the short, modern, and long ...
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This chapter is concerned with the characterization of innovation using the random-copying (neutral) model. It explores databases to test differences between genres over the short, modern, and long prehistoric timescales and within several different niches of knowledge production. This chapter shows that social science examples displayed more indications of drift, consistent with the neutral model. It suggests that it is difficult to distinguish purposeful selection from random drift. It highlights an alternative, objective approach which is the revitalized efforts at social modeling within the physical sciences, particularly in network science.Less
This chapter is concerned with the characterization of innovation using the random-copying (neutral) model. It explores databases to test differences between genres over the short, modern, and long prehistoric timescales and within several different niches of knowledge production. This chapter shows that social science examples displayed more indications of drift, consistent with the neutral model. It suggests that it is difficult to distinguish purposeful selection from random drift. It highlights an alternative, objective approach which is the revitalized efforts at social modeling within the physical sciences, particularly in network science.
Tom Brughmans and Jeroen Poblome
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780199664139
- eISBN:
- 9780191809743
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199664139.003.0011
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Literary Studies: Classical, Early, and Medieval
Roman tableware distribution is traditionally explored through establishing presences in specific places, often visualized as dots on a map. As such these attestations seem to represent distinct ...
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Roman tableware distribution is traditionally explored through establishing presences in specific places, often visualized as dots on a map. As such these attestations seem to represent distinct entities that do not relate, other than in their relative proximity. This chapter challenges an exclusively geographical perspective of tableware distribution by proposing a networks approach for exploring ceramic distributions. It states that it is equally informing to explore the dynamics between physical and relational space. This chapter aims at addressing the following issues: To what extent can the relationships between attestations of tableware sherds inform us on processes that led to the distribution of the original vessels as we know it, and how can topological and geographical networks complement each other in understanding such processes?Less
Roman tableware distribution is traditionally explored through establishing presences in specific places, often visualized as dots on a map. As such these attestations seem to represent distinct entities that do not relate, other than in their relative proximity. This chapter challenges an exclusively geographical perspective of tableware distribution by proposing a networks approach for exploring ceramic distributions. It states that it is equally informing to explore the dynamics between physical and relational space. This chapter aims at addressing the following issues: To what extent can the relationships between attestations of tableware sherds inform us on processes that led to the distribution of the original vessels as we know it, and how can topological and geographical networks complement each other in understanding such processes?
Patrick Jagoda
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780226346489
- eISBN:
- 9780226346656
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226346656.003.0007
- Subject:
- Literature, Film, Media, and Cultural Studies
In distinction to a view of networks as the universal, originary, or necessary form that promises to explain everything from neural structures to collective animal behaviors to online traffic, this ...
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In distinction to a view of networks as the universal, originary, or necessary form that promises to explain everything from neural structures to collective animal behaviors to online traffic, this coda emphasizes the contingency of the network imaginary. If so many things and relationships are figured as networks, the Coda asks, what is not a network? Or, if so much can be treated as interconnected, does anything escape connectivity? If a network points toward particular logics and qualities of relation in our historical present, what others might we envision in the future? In many ways, these questions are unanswerable from the position of the present. Instead of adopting novel avant-garde aesthetics (to move beyond networks) or opting out of networks (in some cases, to recover elements of pre-networked existence), these final pages propose a third orientation: one of ambivalence that operates as a mode of extreme presence.Less
In distinction to a view of networks as the universal, originary, or necessary form that promises to explain everything from neural structures to collective animal behaviors to online traffic, this coda emphasizes the contingency of the network imaginary. If so many things and relationships are figured as networks, the Coda asks, what is not a network? Or, if so much can be treated as interconnected, does anything escape connectivity? If a network points toward particular logics and qualities of relation in our historical present, what others might we envision in the future? In many ways, these questions are unanswerable from the position of the present. Instead of adopting novel avant-garde aesthetics (to move beyond networks) or opting out of networks (in some cases, to recover elements of pre-networked existence), these final pages propose a third orientation: one of ambivalence that operates as a mode of extreme presence.
