Interdisciplinary Approaches to Nonlinear Complex Systems

Hermann Haken is Professor of the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Stuttgart. He is known as the founder of synergetics. His research has been in nonlinear optics (in particular laser physics), solid state physics, statistical physics, and group theory. After the implementation of the first laser in 1960, Professor Haken developed his institute to an international center for laser theory. The interpretation of the laser principles as self organization of non equilibrium systems paved the way to the development of synergetics, of which Haken is recognized as the founder. Hermann Haken has been visiting professor or guest scientist in England, France, Japan, USA, Russia, and China. He is the author of some 23 textbooks and monographs that cover an impressive number of topics from laser physics to synergetics, and editor of a book series in synergetics. For his pathbreaking work and his influence on academic research, he has been awarded many-times. Among others, he is member of the Order "Pour le merite" and received the Max Planck Medal in 1990.

I General Aspects of Complex Systems.- Synergetics as a Strategy to Cope with Complex Systems.- Evolution, Creativity and Intelligence in Complex Systems.- Philosophical Foundations of Nonlinear Complex Systems.- II Mathematical Models of Populations and Societies.- Diversity and Collective Action.- On the Application of Synergetics to Social Systems.- Emergent Behavior in Insect Societies: Global Oscillations, Chaos and Computation.- Collective Dynamics in Models of Communicating Populations.- III Complex Systems in Social Sciences and Psychology.- From Social Engineering to Synergetics On Metaphors Models and Reality.- Social Order. From Individual Activity to Functional Cooperation.- The Significance of Nonlinear Phenomena for the Investigation of Cognitive Systems.- Pattern Formation in Complex Cognitive Processes.- IV Complex Systems in Biology, Physiology and Ecology.- Modelling Pattern Formation in Ecological Systems.- Characterization of Temporal and Spatio-temporal Chaos.- Attractor-Ruled Dynamics in Neurobiology: Does it Exist? Can it be Measured?.- Synergetics of Blood Movement Through Microvascular Networks: Causes and Consequences of Nonlinear Pressure-Flow Relationships.- Index of Contributors.