Simplifying Complexity
Law and complexity science
Jan 20, 2025
Michal Shur-Ofry, an Associate Professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a complexity science expert, delves into the intricate relationship between law and complexity. She critiques traditional legal frameworks for oversimplifying complex systems, advocating for a fresh, network-science approach to patent regulation. Michal also discusses the challenges posed by exponential growth during crises like pandemics, urging a rethinking of legal principles of proportionality. Her insights promise to reshape legal education and practice, making complexity concepts more accessible to future legal professionals.
43:39
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Quick takeaways
- Understanding the law as a complex system necessitates a shift from linear thinking to acknowledging non-linear interactions for effective regulation.
- Incorporating complexity science into legal frameworks can enhance adaptability, allowing for responsive measures to dynamic challenges like pandemics.
Deep dives
Understanding Regulation of Complex Systems
The discussion emphasizes that the regulation of systems via law requires a deep understanding of complex systems. Legal frameworks should not merely impose rules but should actively account for the dynamics of social behaviors and interactions inherent in these systems. A traditional linear perspective on regulation may lead to failures in effectively controlling phenomena like social harms or environmental issues because it overlooks the non-linear interactions among systems. The conversation highlights that understanding concepts such as networks and self-organization is essential for designing effective legal interventions, as the law itself is a complex system attempting to manage other complex systems.
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