The flowing stability of cultures. Insights from complexity studies

In this paper the contribution that a 'systemic' view can offer to the understanding of the concepts of culture and cultural diversity is outlined. This is done by means of a transposition of ideas from one domain of application (contemporary science) to another (the study of cultural phenomena). Insights are gained from the conceptual frameworks of systems theory and complexity science. The idea of a (culturally-based) pluralism in knowledge is made intelligible by referring to the epistemological stance of complexity, and the 'order from noise' principle used to draw insights with respect to intercultural dynamics.